1.) Though they’ve got legit punk chops, The Dickies are basically all about having a few laughs. Formed in 1977 near the dawn of the genre in the San Fernando Valley, the band never broke into MTV but was huge onstage, opening East Coast dates for The Ramones throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s. Specializing in cheeky humor and punkified covers of classic rock tunes (“Paranoid” and “Nights in White Satin” are particularly cool) –– and also a version of the Banana Splits theme song –– The Dickies were one of the first punk bands to come from the Los Angeles area and the first California punk act to be signed to a major label (A&M Records). Only two original members –– singer Leonard Graves Phillips and guitarist Stan Lee –– remain. Catch The Dickies Saturday in Dallas at Trees (2709 Elm St, Dallas, 214-741-1122) with The American Fuse, Drakulas, and The Lash Outs.
2.) If you’re into Catholic symbolism, the dark arts, and horror, Ghost has got you covered. Purveying a kind of organ-laden early-’80s metal, the Swedish sextet is as much about musicianship as showmanship –– five of the guys perform in hooded robes, and the lead singer, known only as Papa Emeritus, comes on stage dressed as a Satanic pope in skull makeup. Ghost plays Saturday at House of Blues (2200 N Lamar St, Dallas, 214-928-BLUE).
3.) Pounding out early rock ’n’ roll and singing –– and swiveling –– like a female Elvis in his prime, Nikki Hill is also soulful and bluesy. With her crack band behind her, she might just rock the roof off The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge (1311 Lipscomb St, 817-926-0986) on Saturday.
4.) No strangers to Fred’s Texas Café (915 Currie St, 817-332-0083), where they’ll be playing Saturday, and certainly no strangers to Fort Worth, Denton country-rockers Slobberbone have been at it for nearly 20 years and are still super-rowdy. Smart C&W Fort Worth boys Patriot will open.
5.) Taking place Sat-Sun at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve (5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano), Suburbia Music Festival features a bevy of quality underground rockers, including Alabama Shakes, Violent Femmes, The Dandy Warhols, Denton’s Midlake, Hayes Carll, Dallas’ Ishi, and Fort Worth’s The Unlikely Candidates. Tickets are $79.50.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdEK22QIcp4
Wow, five VERY cool touring shows! THANKS!