This Week in Live Music

Tuesday - Richard Buckner at The Bootleg Theater

Critically acclaimed poet, troubadour, singer and songwriter Richard Buckner pays a visit to the Bootleg Theater tonight in support of his excellent new record Our Blood (his first since 2006). An artist in every sense of the word, Buckner's live performances at times seem like public exorcisms as the characters and stories of his songs come to life onstage via Buckner's stories and expressions. Highly recommended. The Clean's David Kilgour supports.

At one of my favorite new-ish local bands, The Allah-Las, continue their month-long residency with support from Strangers Family Band / Crooked Cowboy / Peace (Featuring Jeffrey Davies) @ Echo (6:00 pm). Bonus: It's free.

Wednesday - The Go Go's at The Greek Theatre

I recently heard someone describe The Go Go's as a guilty pleasure. Huh? I'm not sure what is guilty about timeless pop music. If you agree, make your way over to Los Feliz and check out Belinda Carlisle and the gals for what they are calling Ladies Gone Wild tour commemorating the 30th anniversary of the release of their classic 1981 LP, Beauty and The Beat.

If you want to stick around the neighborhood, might I suggest hitting up for a little reggae, dub and dancehall with a side of Tecate. It's a choice recipe. You'll thank me later. Free before 10pm, $5 after.

Thursday - The Happy Hollow with Pek Pek, Dirt Dress and Gentle Hands at

I'm thrilled to see that Happy Hollows are getting back in the live game of late. This Thursday night the indie pop-rockers take aim at their old stomping ground: the stage at The Echo. Come watch Sarah Negahdari and crew destroy the room.

Friday - Le Switch's final farewell show at

Someone light a candle... just kidding. This ain't no funeral, it's a party! Eastside rock 'n roll mainstays Le Switch announced they were calling it a day earlier this summer… but not without one last hurrah. This Friday night the band will blow it out in grand fashion with appearances from members past and present (and most likely ten to 15 of their friends joining onstage at one point in the night). If you haven't caught the band during their six year run, this is your last chance to find out why their sound was described as "booze pop." Local favorite The World Record supports with The Mallard and The Mid Cities.

Saturday - At the : 2011 Visionary Sounds Music Festival

Featuring: Torreblanca (D.F., Mexico) / Upground / Nina Dioz (Monterrey, Mexico) / Orlando and the Shantelles (Tijuana, Mexico) / Master Blaster (Austin, Texas) / Street Spirit / Viirey / Andrea Balency (D.F, Mexico) / Josh (of Yellow Red Sparks). Doors at 5pm.