Whatever you have planned for October, cancel it, because WUD Music Committee has got your weekends covered for this month of the monster mash.
I'm generally excited about shows booked by WUD Music, being the indie junkie that I am, but this month has so much promise for such a wide range of musical entertainment I might just spend my Friday and Saturday nights moving between the Sett and der Rathskeller.
First off, easing into what I like to call the official month of fall, aka the best month of the year (hint: it's October) are the folky, full bands Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps with opener Dead Man Winter. Not only is the latter name appropriate as we break out our scarves and mittens for those chilly winter nights (maybe even to wear inside if your landlord also controls your heat), but both bands' warm sound brings to mind reminiscences of reddening leaves and a steaming cup of cider.
Then, just to throw you off, they've got an extra special treat to brighten your Monday. On Oct. 3, darling, dream pop band Twin Sister will be at the Sett for an off-night performance on one of their last stops before a European tour.
After seeing them at Pitchfork music festival this summer, I couldn't help but be entranced by their near-ethereal singer with her whispering voice and youthful grin. They promise a gentle and pleasant sound that will please the eardrums of just about any listener. Catch ‘em while they're free. I predict you won't have that kind of an opportunity for much longer.
Next on my list of must-sees, there's October 14, the date I will be counting down to from here on out. Starting off the night you've got Peter Wolf Crier at the Sett. This regional favorite is no stranger to Madison's campus, but with their freshly released album Garden of Arms, they certainly have something both new and wonderful to offer attendees.
This is the ample concert to enjoy whilst sipping on a pitcher or few of Wisconsin brews. Be sure to get there early to also enjoy opener Milagres, who's recently gotten some good press from NPR's ""All Things Considered,"" among others.
But wait, all of this cozy time suddenly being spent inside is making me a little stir-crazy after a couple of weeks. You know what that means? TIME TO RAGE.
Same night, same place, after getting your subdued head bobbing and toe tapping on, it will be time to unleash your hips and warm up those arm-pumping muscles for French Horn Rebellion.
They will perform for 120 minutes beginning at the midnight hour as a part of WUD Music's DMF series.
""What does DMF mean?"" you may ask. At one point in a past long-since forgotten, I believe it stood for Digital Music Friday. These days we can all come to know and love it as
Dance Mother F*cker.
No need for a commanding title to convince me. I saw French Horn Rebellion open for French pop band Yelle at the Majestic in April, and their remixes of some of my favorite dance music bands, Chromeo and Two Door Cinema Club, were enough to get this booty shakin' without the bonus addition of their own catchy mixes.
It's a perfect opportunity for those of you who don't have fake IDs to have more fun than your friends will at the bar for once. In fact, even if you're 21 or older, I'd skip the bars and make it over to this Sett shakedown to get your DJ fix for free. No $40 Tiësto ticket required.
There are more events than these happening, but my last October highlight falls closest to the final bewitching days of the month. Get ready, they just announced this show Monday night: Neon Indian and Kreayshawn will play the Sett on Friday, Oct. 28.
It's totally free of charge as usual and will probably be one of the bigger shows this semester. Neon Indian was named one of the hottest bands of 2010 by Rolling Stone Magazine. Kreayshawn recently became a YouTube sensation with her single ""Gucci Gucci,"" which got nearly 3 million views in it's first three weeks on the web.
I just saw her at POPPED! Philadelphia music festival and this girl can sure bring the swag. Do not miss this show. Plus, you get the added bonus of it being perfectly acceptable to dress up in your best ghoulish gear as you go bump in the night.
This killer lineup is no trick and all treat for UW-Madison students and spans a variety of sounds that will provide a niche for any music appreciator. WUD Music's October booking schedule is telling you it's time to fall into your campus music scene. I'll see you there.
Did Jaime leave out your favorite upcoming WUD show? Let her know at jbrackeen@wisc.edu.
