As the summer temperatures heat up, so does Downtown’s live music scene. With more than two dozen venues in the area featuring bands or solo performers, there is already no shortage of options, but things are getting even better throughout 2007. Earlier this year saw the opening of Anthology, a new supper club, while the fall will bring a new Hard Rock Hotel, complete with concert hall. Also this fall, revamped jazz nightspot Dizzy’s will reopen, as will the historic Balboa Theatre. In the meantime, this summer’s warm temperatures are the perfect excuse to head out and experience one of the country’s best live music scenes.
YOU AM I AUG 7
Although almost completely unknown here, You Am I, appearing at The Casbah on Aug. 7, are hugely successful in their Australian homeland. Performing a mix of rock somewhere between The Stooges and The Replacements, the band has been together since 1989. They released their first album in 1993, becoming an influence on bands such as Jet, but have never been able to make an impact with American audiences. Meanwhile, during their late ’90s peak, three of their consecutive albums entered their nation’s music charts at No. 1. Currently on tour supporting their latest CD, “Convicts,” the band performs with a reckless abandon that’s refreshing, alongside an impressive arsenal of songs. You Am I may be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, but that’s not for lack of trying.
MINNIE DRIVER AUG 10
It seems that in recent years every actress this side of Bea Arthur has been bitten by the singing bug, but in the case of Minnie Driver, that’s a good thing. Graced with a pleasant voice, her music is a cut above the typical singer-songwriter fare. Even a cursory listen shows that Driver’s album is no mere vanity project, as does the presence of the likes of Ryan Adams and Liz Phair among the backing musicians. Appearing at The Casbah on Aug. 10 to promote her new album, “Seastories,” Driver has a strong connection to the area in troubadour Greg Laswell. The pair have collaborated in the past, even performing together at local coffeehouse Lestat’s last year. Making this a particularly strong bill, also on hand will be chanteuse Anya Marina.
RAUL MALO AUG 15 & 16
Country music fans were heartbroken when front man Raul Malo left the Mavericks in 1999. Despite having scored 14 chart hits, success as a solo artist was no sure thing. It’s rare for the leader of an established group to make it as a solo act. Luckily, Malo’s strength as a songwriter has ensured that not only have old Mavericks fans followed him on his career change but he’s also picked up a legion of new fans. Malo will appear at Anthology on Aug. 15 and 16. He will include material from his excellent new album, “After Hour,” but attendees can expect the loudest cheers for any mention of his old band.
ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA
AUG 21
It’s part of local music folklore that rock legend Frank Zappa played his first music as a San Diegan. While the guitarist is no longer in this mortal coil, his son Dweezil is keeping his music alive with the “Zappa Plays Zappa” tour, which stops in at The House of Blues on Aug. 21. Together only since 2006, the band has been well received and is known for perfectly replicating the songs. Striving for authenticity, the group goes as far as including guest musicians who worked with the elder Zappa. While tribute acts are normally just weak copies of the original, this show really is the next best thing to experiencing a live performance from music icon Frank Zappa, down to the DNA.
ASIA AUG 24
Rock supergroup Asia stops in at 4th & B on Aug. 24. Though the band has had a shifting membership, they are currently touring with the original lineup of King Crimson bassist John Wetton; Yes guitarist Steve Howe; Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer; and Buggles keyboardist Geoff Downes.
Asia is set to release a new album in 2008, the first with all the band’s founders since 1983, when they were topping the charts with songs such as “Only Time Will Tell” and “Heat of the Moment.” While their ability to re-create past glories in the studio remains to be seen, all reports previewing their current tour indicate the group is in top form live.
Considering Asia’s tendency to splinter midproject, any fans considering seeing the classic lineup of the band intact probably shouldn’t put off attending this show.