Positively State Street

LIZA WITH A “Z”: What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a cabaret, old chum, come hear the cabaret. Or, if all else fails, come hear Liza Minnelli when she performs songs from her repertoire of renowned standards at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez. The object of so many late-night talk-show hosts’ jokes is also an incredibly accomplished performer, with more than 20 albums to her name and appearances on both the big and small screens punctuating her resume. Most recently, Minnelli appeared on an episode of Law and Order: Criminal Intent, performed guest vocals on My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade, and scored a recurring role on the critically acclaimed comedy Arrested Development. With an Oscar, an Emmy, three Tony Awards, a Grammy, and the Judy Garland lineage to her name, it’s no surprise that Minnelli is a modern-day legend. See her for yourself at 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 21. Call (800) 585-3737 or visit chumashcasino.com for details. – Mollie Vandor

MIDNITE RIDERS: Looking to burn a little midnight oil? Then burn it down with the most promising reggae band of the new millennium, Midnite. They possess everything you would expect from a group of contemporary masters of the jah medium: poignant lyrics, earthy rhythms, and raucous soul. In fact, the set list for these St. Croix natives regularly jams on past the three-hour mark and into pure roots reggae bliss. They forgo the usual pitfalls of the genre by keeping their heavy, funky bass line free of overdubbing and inorganic production techniques. Just like their socially conscious lyrics, the sound of Midnite maintains its sonic integrity. Celebrate Bob Marley month in style and check them out at SOhO (1221 State St.) on Thursday, February 21, at 9 p.m. Call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com for info. – Tyler Vickers

ATTACK OF THE ZORCHMEN: Has the good cheer and glorious weather of Santa Barbara got you down? Can’t stand the incessant optimism of life? Ever feel the need to wreck something? Well then it’s time to slick up your pompadours and dust off your copies of Varietease, Santa Barbara, because it sounds like you’re due for an old fashioned, psychobilly freak-out. Stomping out of gothic Americana with a collectively questionable mental stability and the sexual purity of a John Waters flick are the rowdy forefathers of the punk-rockabilly blend, The Meteors. Our limey heroes are joined by the aggressive bass lines, raw guitar, and confrontational attitude of Los Angeles degenerates The Kat Killers. Destroy utopia with screaming and raucous debauchery and catch these kings of psychobilly at the Majestic Ventura Theater (26 S. Chestnut St.) on Thursday, February 21. Doors open at 7 p.m. Call 653-0721 or visit venturatheater.net for info. – Jessica Hilo

SUMME’TIME BLUES: February is said to be one of the most miserable months of the year. You’ve given up on your New Year’s resolution, tax season is in full swing, the weather is aggravatingly inconsistent, and Valentine’s Day alone is cause for despair. But fear not, Blue Cheer is on its way. Arguably the forefathers of heavy metal, and certainly the frontrunners of ’60s psychedelic speed rock (alongside Iron Butterfly, Mountain, Cactus, and Cream), these down-and-dirty sleaze mongers bring enough writhing sexuality and stoner grunge to brighten even the grayest of rainy days. Slightly grayed, with extra fuzz, feedback, and fury, the band is a must-see. So perk your February up with Blue Cheer at Velvet Jones (423 State St.) on Thursday, February 21. Call 965-8676 or visit velvet-jones.com for details. – JH

CIRCA SOLO: All those in favor of unique vocal stylings and lyrics you can really dig your teeth into should head on down to UCSB’s Singer/Songwriter Showcase to see headliner Anthony Green of Circa Survive bare it all in a rare solo appearance. Having collaborated with hit bands such as Saosin, Zora the Rock and Roll Destroyer, and The Sounds of Animals Fighting, Green’s talent and experience helped produce Circa Survive’s highly acclaimed albums Juturna and, most recently, On Letting Go. Though still working with Circa Survive-a post-hardcore band that is alternative and progressive in all the right places-Green has branched out and started up a solo side project that highlights his knack for creating artfully abstract lyrics and carrying them with a voice you can’t find just anywhere. Catch this must-see solo performance Friday, February 22, at UCSB’s Hub. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $5 for students or in advance and $10 at the door. Visit aspb.as.ucsb.edu for more info. – Stephanie Flint

MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS: Tired of the monotony of drum/bass/guitar/singer combos? Then come on down to Muddy Waters Cafe (508 E. Haley St.) on Saturday, February 23, at 8 p.m. for a taste of something completely different. 3 Leg Torso-a collection of guys who know intelligent music and aren’t afraid to push the limits-is a musical collective unlike any other. Their spunky, eclectic sound is infused with Eastern European beats, tango, Klezmer, Latin, and chamber music influences, just to name a few. And instrument-wise, well, they play with anything they can get their hands on. Getting their start as a street performance band, 3 Leg Torso is now widely known in the independent film industry, frequenting the Sundance Film Festival and loaning their tunes to films like Supersize Me. We highly encourage a trip to downtown east for an inspiring night of enchantingly weird tunes that are sure to knock you off your feet. Visit myspace.com/muddycafesb for details. – SF