The first person to shout "Play 'Free Bird'" at the BlackMoods show on Friday, September 23, might get a microphone up the moo-moo. The local rockers built a reputation for cover songs under their previous moniker, Chalmers Green, but for the BlackMoods, it's more about their own blistering brainchildren. The band's first CD under its new name, Laurel Canyon, consists entirely of original songs that mate pummeling rhythms with classic rock riffs to create what the band calls "background music for Satan's porn."
"It's like KISS," says guitarist Josh Kennedy, citing the contrast between the rock gods' demonic makeup and the fluffy tunes they flitted out during the disco era. "We're not so mean and scary, but if you hang out with us long enough, you'll probably get scared."
Be very afraid when the band hits the stage at Last Exit, 1425 West Southern in Tempe, for a show with Rocketline, the Ionics, Satori, and Suspect Audio. The show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Call 480-557-6656 or visit www.theblackmoods.com. -- Niki D'Andrea
All Folked Up
Yes, it's completely safe
FRI 9/23
The label "folk singer" evokes images of granola-crunching tree-huggers with flowing tresses and daisy headbands. Tucson folk-rocker Dina D'Alessandro, whose original tunes have been featured on MTV's The Real World and NBC's Scrubs, is anything but. Described as a cross between Sarah McLachlan and Evanescence, D'Alessandro's sweet, lyrical voice is accompanied by the heavy guitar riffs and fuzz-box distortion characteristic of the '80s pop style called shoegazing. But as the beautiful, slender, blond singer belts out sultry tunes from her latest album, Is It Safe, it's doubtful anyone will be staring at her shoes. D'Alessandro plays The Sets, 93 East Southern in Tempe, on Friday, September 23, with guests DJ Louder, and Illektrolab (who's fresh from spinning mad electro in the Orient). The show starts at 7 p.m., and the cover is $5. Call 480-829-1822. -- Wynter Holden
Nothing Could Be Shriner
Get down with clowns
9/23-9/25
Circuses hold all sorts of surprises, whether it's a brush fire in the elephant's haystack or a drunken clown puking on dad's shoes. See what thrills await at the Sharon Shrine Circus as lions, elephants, Bengal tigers and Arabian horses tromp through WestWorld, 16601 North Pima Road in Scottsdale. The planned entertainment also includes high-wire acrobatics, head-spinning motorcyclists in the Globe of Death, and loads of clowning. Shows are scheduled Friday, September 23, through Sunday, September 25. Showtimes vary. Tickets range from $8 to $10. Call 480-946-7295 or visit www.el-zaribah.org. -- Kanupriya Vashisht
