Thanksgiving is coming up, which means most people have a whopping four days of little to nothing to do. Those of you who aren't travelling might find yourself with lots of time to kill, but the holiday season is usually a slow time for concerts. Luckily, there are still plenty of shows to help you get the most out of your long weekend.
On Wednesday, you can check out singer/songwriter Rachel Yamagata at Anthology, prog-rock legends Rush at Valley View Casino Center or rapper Kid Ink at 4th & B. Or, if you just don't hear enough Sublime or Johnny Cash songs on the radio, you can check out cover bands 40 oz. to Freedom at the Belly Up and Cash'd Out at the Casbah.
Thursday is admittedly devoid of shows, so you're out of luck there. Grab a Tofurkey from Whole Foods and watch a concert film on Netflix. They've got lots of options including The White Stripes: Under Northern Lights, Dresden Dolls: Live at the Roundhouse and possibly the greatest concert film of all time, Roy Orbison: Black & White Night. Orbison is joined by a ridiculous backing band that includes Bruce Sprinsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne. You need that movie in your life.
Friday, it's back to the present with rapper Gucci Mane at 4th & B, hometown heroes Unwritten Law at House of Blues and up-and-coming local band Uniform Victor at the Tin Can Ale House. If you somehow didn't get your fill of tribute bands on Wednesday, you can also check out Eagles tribute band Hotel California at Anthology.
On Saturday, R&B artist J-Boog will perform at 4th & B, Zapp Band will bring some soul to Anthology and rock & roll mainstays the Blasters will play the Casbah. And fine, here's your tribute band: the Cured will be playing House of Blues. You sure do like your cover bands, San Diego.
So there you go: plenty of live options to fill your four-day weekend. Even during this slow part of the year, it's nice to see that San Diego is still keeping the live music flame burning. Now that's something to be thankful for.
SoundDiego associate editor Chris Maroulakos is also the managing editor of the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
