As the seasons change – whatever casual seasonal changes we get here in the Bay – the interminable cycle of music, of bands, of life, spins on. Men of a certain age keep playing (Bob Dylan at the Bill Graham, Iron Lung at the Knockout), local legends fall apart (Uzi Rash is splitting up) and newer sounds enter our consciousness: Coo Coo Birds, Allah-Las. Don’t grow too maudlin, there’s always another block party around the corner (Clarion Alley Block Party).
Here are your must-see Bay Area concerts this week/end:
Bob Dylan
“What does one need to know in order to decide whether or not to go to one of the upcoming Bay Area Bob Dylan concerts? Well, what can one say about the legendary singer-songwriter that has left an indelible mark on the fabric of American culture for 50 years now — the man who earlier this year was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to this country via his more than 600 songs, including “The Times They Are A Changin’” and “Blowin’ In The Wind?” All you need to know is that Dylan is in town, there are still tickets available, and you will never forgive yourself if you miss the opportunity to see this one of a kind icon.” — Sean McCourt
With Mark Knopfler.
Wed/17-Thu/18, 7:30pm, $59.50-$125
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
99 Grove St., SF
www.apeconcerts.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnY18LRYRhQ
Iron Lung
Iron Lung is minimalist – just two members epically battling it out in rapid, growling powerviolence jams that usually last around two minutes or less. The two musicians, Jensen Ward and Jon Kortland, have been doing the Iron Lung beat-down since ’99 and briefly lived in Oakland during that time. Welcome their return this week.
With the Process, Effluxus, Hunting Party
Thu/18, 9:30pm, $8
Knockout
3223 Mission, SF
(415) 550-6994
www.theknockoutsf.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vD_59dDfH8
Coo Coo Birds
San Francisco rock’n’rollers Coo Coo Birds – self-described “natural enem[ies] to human mothers and boyfriends” – put out a tambourine-shaken party rock album this summer with song titles like “Sake Baby,” “Come into My Cave” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” the latter of which includes a saxophone track by Steve McKay of the Stooges, just so you know what you’re dealing with here.
With Electric Shepherd, Electric Magpie
Fri/19, 9pm, $7
Thee Parkside
1600 17th St., Sf
(415) 252-1330
www.theeparkside.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT6srRZcEiE
Nick Waterhouse and Allah-Lahs
Both great artists in their respective fields, both retro-tinged modern music makers, LA via SF solo crooner Nick Waterhouse and la-la-land psychedelic surf rockers Allah-Las channel everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Zombies, respectively. This joint tour is a match made in rock‘n’roll heaven.
Sat/20, 9pm, $18
Bimbo’s
1025 Columbus, SF
(415) 474-0365
www.bimbos365.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrrA9Lb3sMs
SF Reggae Festival
Open your mind and process the thought that there is reggae of all distinctions, as with any loosely organized genre. The free, second annual SF Reggae Festival will includes live music by Ancestree, Ceasar Myles, Creation, and a whole lot of DJs. Along with performances, there will be Jamaican food, vendors, and perusable arts and crafts stations. Here’s hoping it’s sunny.
Sat/10, noon-6pm, free
Fillmore at O’Farrell, SF
www.sfreggaefest.com
Clarion Alley Block Party
If you’ve never been to the Clarion Alley Block Party, then you’re not yet a true San Franciscan. That’s an exaggeration, but it seems like a true right of passage for SF folk. The ever-evolving walls will boast new, brightly saturated murals, and in between them, a robust showcase of local musical talent on two stages: Future Twin, Moira Scar, Apogee Sound Club, Brass Liberation Orchestra, Afrolicious, Grandma’s Boyfriend, and more. Who doesn’t love an alley party?
Sat/20, parade at noon (led by Brass Liberation Orchestra), noon-8:30pm
Clarion Alley Mural Project
Between 17th and 18th Streets, Mission and Valencia, SF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVSQlBu8NUs
Wax Idols
“Wax Idols’ badass frontperson Heather Fedewa (who goes by the moniker “Hether Fortune”) has dubbed her refreshingly unique garage pop-punk-death rock genre “morbid classics” and cites Christian Death as a prominent artistic influence. Fortune’s songs focus on morbidity, love, and defiance, and the band’s sound oscillates between the sunny, upbeat punk of “Gold Sneakers” and the dark and raw introspection of “The Last Drop.” — Mia Sullivan
With Wymond Miles, Evil Eyes
Sat/20, 8pm, $10
Brick and Mortar
1710 Mission, SF
(415) 800-8782
www.brickandmortarmusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPc2EnJSi1g
Uzi Rash
It’s the end of an era. Bay Area supergroup Uzi Rash is soon calling it quits. And, with the leaves dropping from a few city park trees and the chillier winds howling in, this will be the last outdoor Indie Mart of 2012. Celebrate with both, and while you’re at it, shop for vintage and DIY treasures, imbibe, nosh Chairman Bao and All Good Pizza street food, and take in the sounds of White Mystery, SF Rock Project (with surprise guests), Greg Ashley and Cracked Ice (featuring Brian Glaze from Brian Jonestown Massacre)
Sun/21, noon, $3 donation
Thee Parkside
1600 17th St., SF
(415) 252-1330
www.indie-mart.com