Out and about: OMD, Airborne Toxic Event, Soul Asylum, Bad Religion, Dash Rip Rock, Purity Ring and even an orchestra of ukuleles coming to Utah
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Spotlight show • When the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain debuted in 1985, co-director George Hinchliffe thought "it would be a one-off performance at a pub." No chance. Today the orchestra, which includes eight musicians playing ukuleles in different registers, tours the world and offers charming humor in addition to music. "I don't think we make jokes at the expense of the music," Hinchliffe said in a recent telephone interview. "We're trying to [push] away all the pretentiousness. We want the show as enjoyable as possible." The ensemble has played recently in Norway, Germany, New Zealand and Australia. Their set list includes renditions of the musical score to "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the U.K.," but re-imagined as if it had been written by Simon & Garfunkel. The group has never been to Utah, but co-director Kitty Lux's late uncle lived in Utah until his passing. And he, too, played the ukulele. Prior to the performance, Steve Butler from the Utah Ukulele Association will teach a free workshop for all skill levels. It begins at 6 p.m. in room 136.
When • Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Browning Center for the Performing Arts, Weber State University, 1901 University Circle, Ogden
Tickets • $17 and $20, by calling 801-626-8500 or online at weberstatetickets.com
The Airborne Toxic Event
Spotlight show • The Los Angeles-based rock band will release its third album "Such Hot Blood" later this month, but fans can get a preview tonight at The Depot. When writing and recording the new album, frontman Mikel Jollett was inspired by Bruce Springsteen's earnestness and spirit. He interpreted The Boss' vision as you "hustle for your art," and that songs should stand for something. Jollet, a graduate of Stanford University, said he is the first person in his family to graduate from high school. He called himself a "scholarship kid" and never felt at ease with his classmates in Palo Alto, saying the school was full of prep-school grads who didn't speak the same language that he did. "I was a loser from a loser family," Jollett said, half-jesting.
When • Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $19 for 21+, $21 for under-21, at SmithsTix
OMD
Spotlight show • On Tuesday, April 9 — one day before it performs in Utah — The British synth-pop band, Orchestral Manoevres in the Dark will release "English Electric." The album, the band's second since reuniting in 2006, is "not consciously a concept album," said singer and bass player Andy McCluskey, but it does explore the connection between humankind, technology and the future. "I'm 53," McCluskey said. "I grew up in the time of post-war optimism when we thought the future would be better with flying cars." But then technology began growing at exponential rates — and without flying cars — escalating fears of cold war nuclear annihilation. Many of the songs, including the first single "Metroland," feature upbeat music with serious, darker lyrics. That's a hallmark for the band which first earned success in 1980 with "Enola Gay," a song about nuclear annihilation. While the band's music was used prominently during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the duo is best known for "If You Leave" from the "Pretty in Pink" soundtrack. McCluskey said making new music is important so that they don't end up being "a tribute band to ourselves." Diamond Rings open.
When • Wednesday, April 10, at 8 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $25 in advance, $30 day of, at SmithsTix
Purity Ring
Spotlight show • Corin Roddick and Megan James performed in other bands such as Gobble Gobble and Born Gold before forming this ambient, dream-pop duo. "When we work together, things come together effortlessly," Roddick said in a recent telephone interview. "It seems so natural." The writing process begins when Roddick creates "a track out of nowhere," and sends the music over to James, who uses lines from her journal to create the lyrics that accompany the synthesized instrumentals. "I've never read her journal, but I imagine ... it's not a typical journal," Roddick said. The Canadian group gives almost as much attention on its visual show as it does to its music, with Roddick attaching his keyboard to a lighting program. "Lights respond to the music," Roddick said. "They follow whatever we're doing." It's working. This show has been one of the best-selling shows in recent ticket broker 24Tix history. Blue Hawaii opens.
When • Wednesday, April 10, at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $13 in advance, $15 day of, at 24Tix
Dash Rip Rock
Spotlight show • Launched in 1984 and based in New Orleans, Dash Rip Rock essentially created the Louisiana version of cowpunk. "Louisiana has a certain amount of cultural flavor you can't get anywhere else," said Bill Davis who leads the trio. "We soak a lot of energy and creativity from the state." However, Davis couldn't sit by when other bands were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame while Dash Rip Rock was ignored. Davis politely reminded them of the band's long history and they were finally honored in 2012. Another bit of trivia: Dash Rip Rock may be the only band to have play every South by Southwest since the Austin festival's inception. The Utah County Swillers open.
When • Wednesday, April 10, at 8 p.m.
Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15 at thestateroom.com
Bad Religion
Spotlight show • When the punk-rock bad's latest album, "True North," was released in January, it debuted inside the top-20 on Billboard album charts, the highest position of the band's 34-year career. "We're definitely not going to complain, after putting blood, sweat and tears into it," said drummer Brooks Wackerman, who at 36 is the self-described "baby" of the band. "It's reassuring that people still enjoy what we do." In high school, Wasserman was a fan of the famously activist group. "Bad Religion was very high on a pedestal with its politics and lyrics," he said. "I always thought that the band was in a league of its own because of its stands." But when Wasserman was invited to join in 2002, he admitted that he didn't know as much about politics and causes. "It's eye-opening being in this band, with government and religion. It's very inspiring." The Bronx and Polar Bear Club will open
When • Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $25 in advance, $30 day of, at SmithsTix and 24Tix
Soul Asylum
Spotlight show • The Minneapolis alt-rock band, which began in 1983, had one of the biggest singles of the 1990s with "Runaway Train." Some people may have thought the band had since disappeared, but it is still kicking. Its 2012 album "Delayed Reaction" is the best album since the criminally under-appreciated 1995 album "Let Your Dim Light Shine." Long-time guitarist Dan Murohy left last year, making frontman Dave Pirner the lone founding member. In a recent telephone interview Pirner said the band "is in a really good place right now," with new members Michael Bland, Winston Roye and Justin Sharbono. He said the group feels hungrier than it has for a while, and it has been booking studio time and recording a new album. The band has released only two albums since "Candy From a Stranger" in 1998. During it's Salt Lake City show, it's likely that the band will perform songs from its multi-platinum break-through "Grave Dancers Union" album, which the band recently played in its entirety. "It was bizarre," Pirner said. "Playing through the record has become trendy, but I had never done it. We had never performed some of those songs before." He added: "It was a real cheap thrill to go back into the catalog with these guys."
When • Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $18 in advance, $23 day of, at SmithsTix
SpaceGhostPurrp
The underground rapper and producer has made a name for himself by collaborating with A$SAP Rocky and Juicy J. He stops in Salt Lake as part of his "BMW: Black Man's Wealth" tour.
When •Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $13 advance, $15 day of; at 24Tix.com
Spiritualized
This British band, led by J. Spaceman, is touring to promote its "Sweet Heart Sweet Light" album.
When •Friday, April 5 at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $22 advance, $25 day of; at 24Tix.com
Local rock showcase
Utah's Samuel Smith Band, Pour Horse and the winner of the Gigg Contest perform.
When • Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 advance, $15 day of; at SmithsTix.com
Elephant Revival
This five-piece band from Colorado will perform its signature brand of folk.
When • Saturday, April 6 at 9 p.m.
Where • State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $14 at thestateroom.com
The Rocket Summer
Instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Bryce Avary performs to support his 2012 album "Life Will Write the Words."
When • Saturday, April 6 at 6 p.m.
Where • In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15 at SmithsTix.com
Warren G
One of the innovators of the G-funk era of West Coast rap.
When • Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
Where • Club 366, 366 36th Street, Ogden
Tickets • $20 advance, $25 day of; at SmithsTix.com
The Parlotones
This South African four-piece band performs new wave music. Openers include Dinner and a Suit and local favorite Cameron Rafati.
When • Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m.
Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $20 advance, $25 day of; at SmithsTix.com
Edgar Meyer
An award-winning composer and bassist who has racked up three Grammys and a MacArthur grant for his classical, jazz and bluegrass music.
When • Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.
Where • Orem Public Library, 58 N. State St., Orem
Tickets • Free
Hey Marseilles
The Seattle-based orchestral-pop sextet will perform from its latest release "Lines We Trace."
When • Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at 24Tix.com
The Tontons
Asli Omar fronts this four-piece indie rock band. Lady Murasaki and Beachmen will open.
When • Thursday, April 11 at 8 p.m.
Where • Bar Deluxe, 666 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $5 at 24Tix.com