Live from the OK: Cold War Kids, Power Trip among this week’s live shows

Cold War Kids

Praise be to the adventurous soul who enjoys a doubleheader or Dallas hardcore band Power Trip and walking sack of tears Sarah McLachlan on consecutive nights. Those are just two of the next week’s highlights, including special evenings by locals Kyle Reid & the Low Swingin’ Chariots and The Nghiems, and an appearance by Cold War Kids at Cain’s Ballroom.

Kyle Reid & The Low Swingin’ Chariots Vinyl Release with Beau Jennings
Thursday, February 26
The Blue Door | Oklahoma City

Kyle Reid and his band of merry men take the “swing” in swingin’ extremely seriously, and that dedication made Alright … Here We Go maybe the funnest Oklahoma album of 2014. It’s now seeing the light of day on vinyl, and Reid has Beau Jennings (who just released a new album, Verdigris, of his own) on board to join the party.

The Nghiems with Beach Language
Thursday, February 26
51st Street Speakeasy | Oklahoma City

Like an indie-folk Batman, The Nghiems return! Headed up by brothers David and James Nghiem, the band is back after a yearlong break, playing songs from an unreleased album and celebrating by having fledgling synth-pop project Beach Language make its live debut.

Worse Than Before with The Big News, Youphoria and Trade School
Saturday, February 28
Dope Chapel | Norman

How do you like your punk? Doesn’t matter. This bill of Oklahoma bands has you covered, from searing skate-punk to ska to grunge to emo.

Shameless Friend with Robbie Wing, Steve Blesch and Holy Siege
Sunday, March 1
Dope Chapel | Norman

Fragmented Reality, they are calling this show. Expect beautiful, experimental ambient noise along with projection art by Steve Blesch (who is also performing a set) in an experience that aims to be as visually satisfying as aurally enticing.

Power Trip with Sabertooth and Upright
Monday, March 2
The Conservatory | Oklahoma City

Dallas thrash-metal harbingers Power Trip are dangerously electric, and 2013’s Manifest Decimation is one of the most well-regarded hardcore albums of the decade so far. The crew meets up to tour with Title Fight and Merchandise later this month.

Jonathan Richman featuring Tommy Larkins
Tuesday, March 3
Blue Door | Oklahoma City

Pretend like you are living in There’s Something About Mary … or just enjoy one of the wittiest songwriters of the past three decades in Jonathan Richman, the Modern Lovers founder who has enjoyed an illustrious career beyond his (and Tommy Larkins’) spot musically narrating the 1998 Farrelly Brothers comedy.

Cold War Kids with Elliot Moss
Tuesday, March 3
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa

The Michael Jordan of passionately pounding on a piano, California indie-rock mainstays Cold War Kids have unleashed a steady stream of quality singles (“All This Could Be Yours,” “Miracle Mile,” “First,” “Audience”) and albums since their 2006 breakout, Robbers & Cowards, which featured “Hang Me Up to Dry” and “Hospitals.” Their live presence has only sharpened over that time, too.

Sarah McLachlan
Tuesday, March 3
Brady Theater | Tulsa

If a massive pack of stray dogs and cats ascends upon downtown Tulsa on Tuesday night, we’ll know why. Their savior hath arrived.