Gerald von ForisWho: Calexico
What: Veteran Arizonan outfit evokes the sounds of the southwest by combining rock, country, folk and Tejano styles like no one else
Why: Despite not releasing a new record since 2008’s Carried To Dust, Calexico are so good of a live act they don’t need an excuse to go out and tour. But it’s probably safe to assume a new record is in the pipe.
When: July 22, 2010
Where: The Phoenix
Who else: Elliott Brood support
How: Tickets are $22.50 in advance but courtesy of Collective Concerts, I’ve got three pairs of passes to give away for the show. Email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “Yo quiero Calexico” in the subject line (yes I use that every time I run a Calexico contest but it still amuses me) and your full name in the body before midnight, July 20.
What else: Mass Live talks to Calexico’s Joey Burns and there’s a complete live album available download at CASH Music.

MP3: Calexico – “Two Silver Trees”
Video: Calexico – “Two Silver Trees”

Force FieldWho: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
What: Los Angeles lo-fi art-popper who is apparently one of the progenitors of what the kids are calling “chillwave”.
Why: Their ninth album and first for 4AD Before Today was released last month.
When: July 22, 2010
When: The Mod Club
Who else: The Magic Kids, Puro Instinct
How: Tickets are $15 in advance but courtesy of Union Events I’ve got two pairs of passes to give away for the show. Email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Ariel Pink” in the subject line and your full name in the body before midnight, July 20.
What else: The Fly has a feature piece on Ariel Pink

MP3: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – “Round & Round”
Video: Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti – “Mistaken Wedding”

Time OutWho: Sleigh Bells
What: Brooklyn duo make abrasive yet infectious speaker-shredding jams, like cotton candy being forcibly jammed into your ears
Why: Their debut Treats is going to be inescapable this Summer, so just go with it
When: July 20, 2010
Where: The Phoenix
Who else: Co-headline with Die Antwoord
How: Courtesy of Embrace, I’ve got two pairs of passes to give away for the show. Email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Sleigh Bells” in the subject line and your full name in the body before midnight, July 14.
What else: The Broward-Palm Beach New Times talks to guitarist Derek Miller

MP3: Sleigh Bells: “Infinity Guitars”
MP3: Sleigh Bells: “Crown On The Ground”
MP3: Sleigh Bells: “A_B Machines”

Nick HeldermanWho: Bear In Heaven
What: Brooklyn-based crew who can be accurately and inaccurately described as psych/prog/electro/rock
Why: They will be re-releasing last year’s Beast Rest Fourth Mouth accompanied by a remix disc on September 14
When: July 15, 2010
Where: The El Mocambo
Who else: Twin Sister support
How: Courtesy of Collective Concerts, I’ve got two pairs of passes to give away for the show. Email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Bear In Heaven” in the subject line and your full name in the body before midnight, July 13.

MP3: Bear In Heaven – “Bag Of Bags”
MP3: Bear In Heaven – “Lovesick Teenagers”
MP3: Bear In Heaven – “Whole Hearted Mess”

Kate MerrickWho: Au Revoir Simone
What: Brooklyn three-piece with a penchant for gentle pop songs, whirring keyboards and vintage dresses
Why: TNight Light, a remix album of last year’s Still Night Still Light, came out this week
When: July 15, 2010
Where: The Great Hall
Who else: Alexa Wilding supports
How: Courtesy of Embrace, I’ve got two pairs of passes to give away for the show. Email me at contests AT chromewaves.net with “I want to see Au Revoir Simone” in the subject line and your full name in the body before midnight, July 13.
What else: Glasswerk and The Santa Barbara Independent interview Heather D’Angelo of the band

MP3: Au Revoir Simone – “Shadows”
MP3: Au Revoir Simone – “Shadows” (Tanline Remix)