Sound Check: Boston's Music Scene, May 17-23
Nicole "Nikki T" Tammaro, a photographer and promoter from Stoneham, initiated a Joan Jett Night at the Rosebud Bar & Kitchen in Somerville in 2011. This tribute show has since evolved into a long-running series, with the latest edition taking place at Faces Brewing in Malden on Saturday. The event features local supergroups, including Americana punk artist CE Skidmore, Brooke Feinberg, and soul rocker Andrea Gillis, who has been performing since the inaugural 2011 show.
The Joan Jett Night celebrates the influence of Jett, particularly her cover of "I Love Rock 'N Roll," which is performed last in the set. Saturday’s show is open to all ages, aiming to inspire the next generation of rock musicians.
In other events, the 50th anniversary of the "Nuggets" compilation is celebrated on Friday at The Cut, featuring members of The Cars, Buffalo Tom, Belly, and Mission of Burma, with a special appearance by Lenny Kaye.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse kick off their "Love Earth" tour on Friday at the Xfinity Center. Haitian-born, Boston-based rapper Swooli performs at The Middle East Downstairs on Friday. Harris celebrates new music at Sonia on Saturday. Aeronaut Brewing’s Allston beer garden hosts Los Sugar Kings on Friday and Boston emcees Cakeswagg and MonaVeli with DJ Whysham on Saturday.
Echo & the Bunnymen perform at House of Blues on Monday, while across the street at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Amos Lee previews his new album on Tuesday. Kaia Kater and Della Mae perform at Passim and the Cambridge club, respectively.
New releases include The Anti-Queens' "Disenchanted," Crumb's "AMAMA," and Cage The Elephant's "Neon Pill." Twenty-One Pilots' new album "Clancy" is available early at select Newbury Comics locations on Saturday, with their tour stopping at TD Garden in September.