I-40 between here and Memphis is terrible. Unless you spend the night, you get home ridiculously late after a show and you can’t drink. It’s been awhile since I’ve paid attention to what’s happening there and even longer since I’ve driven over for a show, but after scanning the calendar today, I’m gonna have to start giving Bluff City a little more coverage. It’s getting a half dozen name acts in the next few months that we’re not.
Tonight: Yo La Tengo is playing the Gibson Lounge, with Kurt Wagner of Lambchop. 8 p.m., $20. It’s not just a regular YLT concert either.
The long-running, critically acclaimed New Jersey indie rock band has whimsically re-dubbed themselves “The Freewheelin’ Yo La Tengo,” and taken to the road with a show that’s less a normal concert than a unique event. Part audience Q&A, part VH1 “Storytellers,” part MTV “Unplugged” — it also combines the loose spirit of two annual Yo La Tengo staples, their multinight Hanukkah concerts and their covers sets during New Jersey radio station WFMU’s pledge drive. via Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Fri., Jan. 25: The Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World and Against Me! (who’ll be here next week) at the Fed Ex Forum.
Wed., Jan. 30: Band of Horses and Cass McCombs at Hi-Tone.
Mon, March 3. Beach House at Hi-Tone.
Fri., March 14. Drive-By Truckers at Minglewood Hall.
Fri., March 21. The Black Lips with Quintron and Miss Pussycat at Hi-Tone.