30 Days Out, February 2023 #2: Silversun Pickups, Bobby Weir, Music of Morton Feldman, Os Mutantes

We’re really, really back into the swing of things now, with major artists back on tour. The assortment of music that’s coming to town in the next 30 days is simply astounding. Here are the highlights.

Artist: Silversun Pickups
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Monday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.
Door: $30
This critically lauded foursome from Los Angeles got its start in 2000 playing original music that bore sonic similarities to My Bloody Valentine; their more recent material adds electronics to the mix; as fine as the early music was and remains, the change is arguably a major improvement. An exemplar of the earlier sound is the staggeringly popular (124 million plays on Spotify) “Lazy Eye.” The newer, even more tuneful sound can best be experienced on a superb track called “Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance)” from 2015’s Better Nature. Their latest album, the alluring Physical Thrills was released in 2022.

Artist: Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros.
Venue: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.
Door: $59.50 and up
Since the dissolution of the Grateful Dead, former members of the beloved psych/jam heroes have spun off into myriad new ventures; all aim in one sense or another to carry on the spirit of the Dead. Some are more successful than others. But as one of the Grateful Dead’s primary vocalists and songwriters, Bob Weir often comes closest to that goal. His current band is – no surprise here – filled with hotshot players.

Artist: Music of Morton Feldman
Venue: Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center
Date: Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
Door: $15
Composer Morton Feldman’s name is often mentioned in the same breath as John Cage and Stefan Wolpe; he was a significant figure in 20^th century experimental/classic music. He chose to ignore the perceived length restrictions in composition. This pair of shows features pianist Amy Williams on Friday (performing Triadic Memories) and the Jack Quartet performing Feldman’s Piano and String Quartet on Saturday. The latter piece was written with Kronos Quartet in mind, which should give you some idea of its nature.

Artist: Os Mutantes
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Sunday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
Door: $25
Fans of psychedelia and/or tropicalia may recognize the name Os Mutantes; the adventurous Brazilian group enjoyed a belated moment in the international spotlight when “Bat Macumba” was featured on the epic 2001 compilation Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond, 1965-1969. But that track merely scratches the surface. The revolving-door lineup of Os Mutantes continues to tour and record to this day. Founding member Sérgio Dias is still in the group.

See you at the show!