>>> Friday, Feb. 8

PAT DOHERTY

Earlier this year, Pat Doherty, lead singer of local favorites the Wheelies, released his solo debut via the quickly up-and-coming local record label, Swoon Records. On Doherty's Rail Car EP, he breaks from the nervy indie rock practiced by the Wheelies and embraces easy-going, indie folk-pop. As a frontman, Doherty always brought a relaxed charm to his performance in the Wheelies, and this solo outing just accentuates that aspect of him. Opening track "Dirty Paws" is an appealingly shuffling modest gem, but the two middle songs on the four-song EP get somber and melancholy, providing Doherty an even more distinct opportunity to stretch his talents. Earlier in the evening, there will be a free jazz show, which should make for a low key and engaging Friday night. - Rev. Adam McKinney

THE NEW FRONTIER LOUNGE, 10:30 P.M., COVER TBA, 301 E. 25^TH ST., TACOMA, 253.572.4020

>>> Friday, Feb. 8

ANDRE NICKATINA

I asked Andre Nickatina totally obscure questions via email. The questions included something about Spongebob Vs. Yo Gabba Gabba, something about being 80 years old, and something totally inappropriate. I not even going to print the last one. But, if you've seen Nickatina's latest sex-riddled video, Jelly, or heard his old school cocaine anthem, Yayo, then maybe my last question isn't so inappropriate. I'll let your imagination take over. Anyhoo, Nickatina will bring his smooth, witty and beat-worthy Bay Area cadence to a packed house Friday at Temple Theater in Tacoma. Known for his privacy, such as wearing sunglasses backstage and refusing interviews, the recluse, I wasn't surprised when the revered rapper didn't get back to me. That's OK, I'm pretty sure I didn't want to know the answer to that one question anyway. Friday's show includes a 21+ after party on the Temple's balcony roof garden with KAOS 89.3FM radio personality DJ Luvva J. - Nikki McCoy

TEMPLE THEATER, W/ MISTAH FAB, MUMBLS, PINK BEAD, PUGET, KYLE MILLER, 8 P.M., $27 ADVANCE, $35 DOOR, 47 ST HELENS AVE., TACOMA, 253. 272.2042

>>> Saturday, Feb. 9

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

The ukulele has had a moment over the course of the last half-decade. Unfortunately, to some, this has come in the form of tweeer-than-thou renditions of classic songs that are so disgustingly adorable your ears and heart melt. But, the "Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele" Jake Shimabukuro is not resigned to over-simplistic chord based apathy. Shimabukuro uses the micro-instrument to its full potential - beautifully interweaving instrumental odes with a maestro's touch. It is no wonder the Hawaiian born Shimabukuro has racked up untold millions of plays on Youtube. With a legion of fans, that include even the Queen of England, Shimabukuro is his generation's master of the ukelele. His latest album, Peace, Love, Ukelele, brings a lush orchestral accompaniment, produced by Alan Parsons no less!, and helps cement Shimabukuro firmly where he belongs - in a cannon of great, virtuosic musicians. Shimabukuro brings his nimble fingers and affable personality to Olympia's Capitol Theater Saturday; for anyone looking for a performance that may change their preconceived notions of the instrument, this is it. - Timothy Grisham

CAPITOL THEATER, 8 P.M., ALL AGES, $30-$50 AT TICKETSWEST.COM, RAINY DAY RECORDS AND DOOR, 206 FIFTH AVE SE, OLYMPIA, 360.754.6670

>>> Tuesday, Feb. 12

NIGHT BEATS

One of the joys of being engaged in the local music scene for the past few years - both as a writer and an enthusiastic fan - has been to watch the growth and success of the Night Beats. For the uninitiated, the Night Beats consists of Danny Lee Blackwell, James Traeger, and Tacoma's own Tarek Wegner (oh he of the Drug Purse and Paris Spleen) slashing and burning their way through all periods of psychedelic, brain-melting rock. Through talent and near-constant touring, the Night Beats have found themselves playing with the likes of the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Black Lips and Roky Erickson, and joining up with garage rock juggernauts, Chicago's Trouble in Mind Records. It's all been thrilling to track, and whenever they manage to pull themselves off the road long enough for a stop in Tacoma, they're even more thrilling to see. - Rev. AM

THE NEW FRONTIER LOUNGE, W/ MILK, PEOPLE UNDER THE SUN, 9 P.M., COVER TBA, 301 E. 25TH ST., TACOMA, 253.572.4020

LINK: More live music in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area