Briana Hernandez

Solo and sultry. Stuart at Du Nord 4/17.

Mark Sherman

There is a scene I love in the movie “Baby Mama” where Steve Martin, as a pony-tailed vegan guru, rewards Tina Fey for a job well done with “five minutes of uninterrupted eye contact.” It’s just as hilarious and uncomfortable as it sounds, hence it was the first thing to come to mind while seeing Jamie Stewart sans Xiu Xiu at Café Du Nord last Friday. The now solo artist didn’t let a lack of accompaniment get in his way…which was extremely weird.

Nothing but a day at the beach for Natham Williams and Ryan Ulsh

Mark Sherman

While their show at SF’s historic Great American Music Hall was underwhelming in attendance, their sound left behind no doubt that a power duo is impossible these days unless carried by a lame, “are-they-married-or-siblings” mystery. No, Wavves won’t leave you guessing. Straight forward and balls out, the San Diego twosome are the ultimate mash-up of Ramones meets Beach Boys meets anything else simple, sunny and riffy.

Tickling the ivories: Maus Haus singer Jason Kick in a cove of keyboards

Mark Sherman

If this show was an accurate representation of what to expect this year in Bay Area indie, we're in for a hell of a ride.

Oakland four-piece Chambers opened the evening with their ultra-rich brand of nu emo.  Think Yeah Yeah Yeah’s with a male singer.