POLYRHYTHMICS

>>> FRIDAY, APRIL 20

Just in time to celebrate 4/20, Andyinoly Productions brings in another stellar show. This time at the Olympia Ballroom, and all-ages, Polyrythmics will be keeping heads happy with their funky, world-beat music. According to dictionary.com, polyrhythm is the simultaneous occurrence of sharply contrasting rhythms within a composition. According to me, (and thousands of fans,) Polyrythmics is the simultaneous occurrence of badassness. This eight-piece ensemble jams long and hard, with interesting twists and tweaks to keep the mind engaged and the body moving. From the band's webpage, "Polyrhythmics have quickly gained notoriety playing to packed clubs and festival crowds all over the Northwest. Their self-titled and now sold-out EP released in 2010 has been charting on radio playlists up and down the West Coast."  Snarky Puppy will also play this funky 4/20 party. Featuring members of Snoop Dogg's and Erykah Badu's band, Snarky Puppy hits the same fusion, international vibe as Polyrythmics. So light one up, cruise to the Olympia Ballroom and let this incredible line-up do the rest.  - Nikki Talotta

OLYMPIA BALLROOM, WITH SNARKY PUPPY, FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 9 P.M., ALL-AGES, 21+ BAR, $10, 116 LEGION WAY, OLYMPIA, OLYMPIABALLROOM.COM

JOHNNY UNICORN

>>> SATURDAY, APRIL 21

There's something perversely pure and bloody-minded about recording a 9-minute electro-opus about acne, but Johnny Unicorn does just that on "Break Out!" the opener to his giddily loopy double album, Thinking Hard to Overcome Nervousness. Musically, Johnny Unicorn can approach areas like the transcendent dance rock of LCD Soundsystem, the restlessly goofy antics of They Might Be Giants, the grandiose pop exploration of Islands, the adventurous musical cross-pollination of Ween and some of the sweetly nerdy pop of Ben Folds. Other topics covered: fateful encounters with bears; being surprised by the imminent arrival of Christmas; how this one girl he knows is full of "bullcrap"; an astronaut who confuses space travel for love; and tongue-in-cheek examinations of the patriarchy and the plight of the Native American. You know, the usual. - Rev. Adam McKinney

LE VOYEUR, WITH AUTUMN ELECTRIC, 10 P.M., NO COVER, 404 E. FOURTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.943.5710

HIP-HOP IS ALIVE, VOLUME 2

>>> SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Every month A-Hyp hosts the Hip-Hop is Alive showcases stacked with some of the best and most exclusive hip-hop in this beloved area code inside the new Harmon Tap Room Underground. Saturday - if your 4/20 hangover allows it- check out his second version featuring Leezy Soprano, The Sandlot, last month's host Chief Noo, with D.J. Semaj spinning and Blak Mic hosting. This night is only $5, which is a steal for a Saturday night's worth of entertainment. The show starts at 9 p.m., and there is a special-guest performer scheduled for the bill as well. I know who it is and I can be bribed for the answer. The Tap Room is a chill, small venue and it is a good place to beat the normal hustle and bustle of a Saturday night in downtown. Get there early for beer, pizza and hip-hop. - Josh Rizeberg

HARMON TAP ROOM UNDERGROUND, SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 9 P.M., $5, 204 ST. HELENS AVE., TACOMA, 253.212.2725

AUTISTIC YOUTH

>>> TUESDAY, APRIL 24

Taking cues from early hardcore, as well as perennial punk from the '80s, Portland's Autistic Youth make driving, anthemic stuff that'll clear up your sinuses. Songs rush by in delirious two-minute bursts of group cheering and insistent drumming. The band will be joined at Tahoma Tea & Co. by a stupid good assembly of punk acts from all over: the frantic Youth Avoiders from France, Oakland's chunky and melodic Acid Fast, rising punk locals Snak Pak, and fellow Tacoman punks Criminal Code, who will be leaving on tour following the show. In a cozy venue like Tahoma Tea & Co., you can expect to be all up in your neighbor's business at this show, which is the perfect way to experience these bands. Get up close and rowdy. - Rev. AM

TAHOMA TEA & CO., WITH CRIMINAL CODE, YOUTH AVOIDERS, ACID FAST, SNAK PAK, 6 P.M, ALL AGES, NO COVER, 1932 PACIFIC AVE., TACOMA, 253.722.9987