TURN IT UP: KOLARS, the raved-about live act of Rob Kolar (vocals/guitar) and Lauren Brown (tap-dance drumming), will play at Velvet Jones (423 State St.) on Saturday, February 23, with opener Alex Lilly. Their newest rocker of a single, “Turn It Up,” hints at the kind of energy they’ll bring up on that Velvet stage. Few duos have the kind of percussive panache as KOLARS, whose full-bodied tap-dance drumming meets glammy guitar rock in a refreshing injection of musical vitality. Last seen at the Starry Nites Fest of 2017, the L.A.-based group is circling back before heading to SXSW in Austin.
Alex Lilly, also from L.A., will begin the ceremonies with her visionary and theatrically offbeat synth pop. Think the music of Kate Bush or St. Vincent by way of Miranda July’s visually dreamlike quirkiness. Expect a set of surreal sensuality and bright colors. Together, KOLARS and Alex Lilly shall offer an exciting and visually striking night.
YOUR VERY OWN PRIVATE ISLAND: Okay, maybe not your very own, but you can at least take a musical vacation for a night when Private Island headlines on Friday, February 22, also at Velvet Jones, with openers Kuwada and Hush. The band's music is sunny, fresh, anthemic, and full of happy lushness. If you’re itching for a dance, Private Island will likely satisfy that craving severalfold.