Oklahoma is a couple weeks away from the concert boom that SXSW brings, but there’s more than a few quality shows happening in the next seven days all the same, including music icon Elvis Costello, alt-rock heavyweights Bush and Texas product Oil Boom.
Elvis Costello (solo) with Larkin Poe
Friday, March 6
Cain’s Ballroom | Tulsa
It’s Elvis Fucking Costello.
Team Nightstand with Applied Music Program and Softaware
Friday, March 6
Opolis | Norman
Applied Music Program (featuring Andy and Marian Nunez of Starlight Mints) have taken nearly a year off from shows, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been busy. Beyond operating Opolis, the Nunezes — along with Becky Carman, Zach and Matt Duckworth — have recorded new material, putting out singles “Pockets” and “Shadows” this year.
Gum with Oil Boom and Sex Snobs
Saturday, March 7
Opolis | Norman
Spoon disciples Gum won over much of Oklahoma City with their 2014 self-titled debut. Joining forces with Ft. Worth’s Oil Boom — who had a similarly shiny year with the release of their album Red Metal — and post-punk act Sex Snobs, you have one of the strongest indie-rock bills you’ll find around these here parts.
Bush with Theory of a Deadman and Stars in Stereo
Tuesday, March 10
Diamond Ballroom | Oklahoma City
It’s hard to believe that “Glycerine” and “Machinehead” are of legal drinking age. Sixteen Stone came out 21 years ago, but Gavin Rossdale-led Brit-rockers Bush are still going at it, touring in support of 2014’s Man on the Run.
Calabar with Pocket Vinyl
Tuesday, March 10
Dope Chapel | Norman
Pocket Vinyl presents something a little different for their shows: Eric Stevenson plays pretty, piano-based indie pop while Elizabeth Jancewicz live-paints. At the end of the evening, the finished work of art is sold to the highest bidder. Norman krautrockers Calabar will also be on hand.
Firestarter with Point Blank, Inrage, Shame,
Death Trap and The Grand Gimmick
Wednesday, March 11
Guildhaul | Oklahoma City
Borrowing from the most fun parts of New Found Glory, Motion City Soundtrack and Taking Back Sunday, Albany’s Firestarter plays no-frills pop-punk with the best of them. Hardcore acts Point Blank and Inrage — hailing from Florida and Arkansas, respectively — join in on the massive bill, along with Oklahoma outfits Shame, Death Trap and The Grand Gimmick.
