seattle
friday 19
Black Flag
The original kings of the DIY punk scene Black Flag are back on the road this summer in two incarnations—one going as simply FLAG with original vocalist Keith Morris, original bassist Chuck Dukowski, drummer Bill Stevenson (a member from 1983 to 1985), and guitarist Stephen Egerton of the Descendents; and another (playing Seattle this week) featuring founder Greg Ginn on guitar, Ron Reyes (vocalist for the The Church/Jealous Again era) on vocals, Gregory Moore on drums and Dale Nixon on bass. Both bands are sans barcode-tattooed, angry-as-hell front man (1981-1986) Henry Rollins, begging the question: Will these lineups be worth seeing? For $25 in a small venue, we're betting that even if you don't recognize any of the above names, the show will still be satisfying. El Corazón. 8 pm. $25 adv/$30 DOS.
friday 19
Paul McCartney
Is there any musician further from Black Flag than (Sir) Paul McCartney? The puppy-dog-sweet Brit will take the stage at Safeco field—same day, same time as the punk icons—for yet another massive-scale performance on his bazillionth arena tour. Described by Guinness World Records as the "most successful composer and recording artist of all time," and an indirect cultural influence on just about everything awesome that has happened musically in the last half century, McCartney surely will put on a better show than Ringo Starr's Ringo 2012 tour. Just sayin'. Safeco Field. 8 pm. $39.50-253.
saturday 20
"Twin Peaks" Dance Party
If you don't know who killed Laura Palmer, this means nothing to you, but David Lynch's fans just collectively let out a giddy squeal of joy! "Twin Peaks" remains Lynch's crowning cult-television jewel along with the accompanying unsettling and simultaneously campy film, "Fire Walk with Me." Both will be celebrated with music, a "Twin Peaks"-themed art show, photo booth (expect portions of log and two-tone lensed glasses), drinks and, of course, classic diner-style cherry pie. Fred Wildlife Refuge. 7:30 pm. $20.
portland
friday 19-sunday 21
PDX Pop Now!
Started with the question "How big can the Portland music scene get?" this all-volunteer-run festival has been a launching point for independent musicians coming out of PDX for 10 years. Turns out the answer to the question can be much, much, MUCH bigger. With recognizable names as well as up-and-comers (Y La Bamba, Sun Angle, Genders, Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Fanno Creek, Gaytheist, The We Shared Milk, to name just a few), Pop Now! is an opportunity to discover all the Portland underground music scene has to offer FOR FREE. 45 Bands on two outdoor stages, a street fair and Rigsketball (band vs. band basketball)! Eastbank Lot (SE Water & SE Salmon). Free.
