Big Friction Jam reunion

PARTNERS IN CRHYME

Friday, Sept. 4
It all started with some “ill rhymes and a hand-me-down keyboard” and evolved into a hardcore hip-hop act that sounds like maybe they incorporated an 808, a guitarist, and a better herbal jazz cigarette hookup. Partners in Crhyme has been around since 2001, sporting the names “Mr. Penetration” and “Johnny D’ Cron.” From MySpace: “Mitch Hendrickson’s guitar work is like a concentrated dosage of pure adrenaline hitting the bloodstream after having your teeth kicked in by D’Cron and Penetration’s verbal curb stomping.” About four years ago, George Clinton said in an interview that he wanted to see more hip-hop and metal hybrids, and was reportedly working with Tool to create what he called “hood-metal.” Maybe this is what he envisioned. I don’t know. He was pretty high. — John Herbert
[Hell’s Kitchen, with Friday Nights, Island Trybe, Illizim, DJ Lok Skywalker, 9 p.m., $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

Saturday, Sept. 5
When Jazzbones hosted the Big Friction Jam in 2007, you could find a damp me on the dance floor every Sunday night. Well, I’m thrilled to report that one of the powers that created the Big Friction Jam, Jesse Turcotte, has organized a BFJ reunion Saturday night at Doyle’s Public House, which just so happens to be where Turcotte bartends. The evening will begin with the popular grungy Tacoma hip-hop band The Revengers from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. Afterward, the band will join a few teachers from Seattle’s rock school, members of The Higher Vibes (including Turcotte), All Night Yardsale, The Say Hi Band, and assorted musical friends from Tacoma. Expect a funky, bluesy vibe. — Suzy Stump
[Doyle’s Public House, 9:30 p.m., no cover, 208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.PINT]

THE BIG FELLAS

Tuesday, Sept. 8
Can I go on record as saying that the new subgenre of “dad-rock” is both terribly offensive and, in many cases, eerily accurate? For fear of angry, Baby Boomer retaliation, I hesitate to categorize San Diego’s The Bigfellas as dad-rock. But what else is there? How do you describe a band so very un-hip, with its early ‘70s MOR affectations, but so goofily fun? There’s very little that’s edgy about this band, despite having songs called “420” and “I Wish I Were Gay.” But the songs are witty, and it’s easy to hear the band’s tongues planted firmly in their cheeks. It’s not cool for a music columnist to say so, but, well, I’d rather hear dad-rock any day of the week than Animal Collective’s newest LP. — Rev. Adam McKinney
[Le Voyeur, 10 p.m., no cover, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

MADISON DRIVE

Wednesday, Sept. 9
Want to feel fucking old in a hurry? And I mean real old. Like, Brett Favre old. First, look at yourself naked in the mirror the next time you get out of the shower. That ought to do it. But, if by some chance that doesn’t’ work, try showing up to Madison Drive’s show at Hell’s Kitchen on Wednesday. Faux hawk rock at its finest, Madison Drive is a Seattle based six-piece band of pierced and tweeting rockers that truly makes me realize just how passed my prime I already am. Part punk rock, part text message shorthand, Madison Drive has made headway with the kiddies thanks to a well-honed image and ear friendly riffs. And, of course, taking the stage at Warped Tour didn’t hurt. I’d go into more depth about what this band sounds like, but Madison Drive’s blasted MySpace page makes my computer crash from a neon and necktie overload. OMG! LOL! — Matt Driscoll
[Hell’s Kitchen, with Gavin Castleton, Gardening Not Architecture, At Night, Ophelia’s Thunder, 6 p.m., all ages, $8 advance, $10 DOS, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]