Live Escape

A trio of unique live music picks for St. Pat's weekend

 
 

t. Paddy’s weekend has arrived. For those live-music heads who want to be in the spirit yet break out of the predictable rotation of Car Bombs and fiddle bands, the Sinclair in Harvard Square offers an optimum solution―Paddy Saul Band with Coyote Kolb and Curtis Mayflower. Saul (above) came from Ireland nearly two decades ago and since has been a fixture in Cambridge/Somerville music circles. He’s a witty and cheerful soul, which surfaces into a collection of lively, upbeat folk-rock anthems, complete with an Irish edge, of course. Saul is one of the music scene’s kindest spirits, and he works pretty damn hard to promote his shows (bands take note). He’s also the perfect partner in crime when it comes to grabbing a “few” pints at one (or more) of the real local pubs, namely the Druid or Bull McCabe’s. Not to be overlooked, openers Coyote Kolb and Curtis Mayflower bring the ruckus in the form of snarling electric guitars and gritty vocals. Each hammers its own stamp on rock ’n’ roll. All in all, the rock levels will be pointed well past “10” on this one.

Paddy Saul Band with special guests Coyote Kolb and The Curtis Mayflower

The Sinclair

52 Church Street (Harvard Square)

Cambridge, MA

Saturday, March 15

8 p.m. doors

9 p.m. show

Tickets on sale now.

Banana Phonetic returns with an intimate show at Bull McCabe’s Pub

Allston-based indie-rock band Banana Phonetic, one of the most polished acts in town, is sneaking out of the studio to test-drive some new songs at Bull McCabe’s. They’ll be playing their upcoming LP in its entirety as well as tracks from their first studio effort, The Western End. Well-known for its reggae residencies―Dub Apocalypse on Sundays, the Ghetto People Band on Tuesdays, and Dub Down on Thursdays―Bull McCabe’s is a secret live-music haven that insiders have touted since its inception in 2008, after taking over the infamous Tir Na Nog. Banana Phonetic has the goods to make this room their own.

Banana Phonetic

Bull McCabe’s.

366A Somerville Ave,

Somerville (Union Square)

Saturday, March 15

10 p.m. show

Otis Grove welcomes emcee Mr. Lif at Church

Boston’s resident funk trio, Otis Grove works at it harder than most bands in these parts. These guys also play well with others, welcoming guests on the norm, as proven by their hot recent live release. This weekend’s show at Church is a thunderous example: Otis Grove welcomes celebrated local emcee Mr. Lif, whose recent projects include the likes of Thievery Corporation and Galactic. This guy knows how to get down with real bands, and Otis Grove is no exception. Akashic Record is also on this one, and they’re just as worthy, commanding a brass-driven, organ-juiced funk attack.

Akashic Record, Otis Grove, & Elephant Proof

Church

69 Kilmarnock Street

Boston, MA, 02215

Saturday, March 15

Doors at 8 p.m.

Tickets