DOWN TOGETHER
If you're a Roger Clyne fan, the wait for the former Refreshments frontman's return to his birthplace Tucson following his April 2013 show has probably been a little rough, especially following the release of his new album The Independent. Sure, you've probably got your tickets for the forthcoming two-day Circus Mexicus show in Puerto Peñasco (with the Sand Rubies!), but that might not been soon enough. Thankfully, as part of a promotion for Clyne's booze brand, Mexican Moonshine tequila, the king of the Peacemakers will be going on an one-day somewhat impressive seven bar tour of Tucson on Saturday, May 31, starting at 2:30 p.m. at Hi Fi downtown and ending at Hotel Congress at 9:30 p.m., with stops in between at the Oldfather Inn (3:30 p.m.), Fini's Landing (5 p.m.), Dante's Fire (6:15 p.m.), Agustin Kitchen (7:30 p.m.) and Junxtion (8:30 p.m.) Clyne will be signing stuff and performing a (presumably short) solo acoustic set at each stop and also my understanding is that there's a double decker bus involved. All of the shows are free, so it should be a good time hanging with our regional, younger version of Jimmy Buffett (and despite how that might read, I actually mean that as a compliment).
CAREFREE
This week in CD releases, Justin Valdez y los Guapos will be celebrating their first album Gonna Have a Party! at the Surly Wench on Friday, May 30. Valdez, who you might remember from the Last Call Brawlers (who are also slated to put out a new record this year), has put together a great and distinctly fun band with Los Guapos, who somehow walk the line between Latin rock, surf music and rockabilly. Gonna Have a Party! definitely lives up the title with the seven-piece piece romping through 15 tracks, a few of which were on Valdez's recent solo album. You've got to love any band that features someone on "backup vocals & hype," (Chango Malo's David Clark) anyhow. The release party kicks off at 9 p.m., with San Crudelio on the bill as well. There's an event page on Facebook where you can find more info and if you're inclined to buy the record, but can't make the show, it's available at justinvaldezylosguapos.bandcamp.com.
INTERSTATE
If you caught Iowa's River Monks when they came through town last year at Tucson Live Music Space, you'll be happy to know they're returning to town next Thursday, June 5, to play a show at Monterey Court. Previewing the show in 2013 ("The Sounds of Iowa," March 21), Gene Armstrong wrote "The charming homespun quality of the River Monks' music might cause a listener to wonder if the sextet from Des Moines, Iowa, has pulled back the furniture and rolled up the rugs in your living room for a house concert. Singer-songwriter Ryan Stier creates gorgeous songs, allowing threads of country, blues and American and British strains of folk into the pastoral rock settings." On their new album, Home Is the House, released last week, that description still holds up, as the group continues to create majestic, full-sounding folk music with rich harmonies up front on nearly every song. It's a lovely record, especially recommended for Lumineers and Mumford & Sons fans looking for something with a bit more richness and depth. River Monks are scheduled to play Monterey Court (505 W. Miracle Mile) on June 5 at 7 p.m. The cover's only $5 and you can find more information at montereycourtaz.com or by calling 207-2429.
BANDITOS
I'm not sure what else can be said about Howe Gelb at this point, especially in this paper, but it definitely deserves to be noted that he's playing what's described as a "very intimate...family style evening" at Club Congress on Friday, May 30. Gabriel Sullivan's also on the bill and if you're wise, you'll try to get to this show, partially because Howe's shows aren't all that frequent here these days and partially because you'll never quite be sure who will show up or what will end up happening. Every Howe show is unique and interesting and I'm sure this one will be no exception. Tickets are $15 for the 21 and over show, with doors at 8 p.m. More info at hotelcongress.com or by calling 622-8848.
DON'T WANT TO KNOW
FYI, the Chet Faker show scheduled for Club Congress this week has been cancelled. He's still playing Phoenix's Crescent Ballroom on May 31, if you feel like traveling north.
