Rock

Step into an alternate universe and brace yourself for an experiment in musical theater, funk and dirty south. Modern diva Janelle Monae will be stirring things up at Cafe Du Nord in back-to-back performances. Her debut album Metropolis has landed her right on top of the indie scene thanks to her Wonderland label co-conspirators Chuck Lightning and Nate "Rocket" Wonder. We're telling you now—this is a show you don't want to miss.

Living legend, rock revolutionary, beat poet and artist Patti Smith will give us her take on art and politics. You'll also gain insight into what it was like growing up in New York City, her close relationships with Robert Mapplethorpe, Jim Morrison, James Carroll and Sam Shepard and you'll get the inside scoop on her forthcoming memoir Just Kids.

Who says you can't have it all? Parachute mixes high energy rock with a little bit of soul, R&B and pop, blending musical genres in a fine balance. Citing such diverse influences as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Journey, Coldplay, Jay-Z and John Mayer, the band's debut album Losing Sleep simultaneously boisterous with songs like "The New Year" and exceptionally introspective with tracks like "She is Love." Come out and give this Charlottesville band a whirl. SafetySuit will open.

Although never quite as strong as the five years that Trent Reznor's beloved Mariqueen Maandig was the front woman, West Indian Girl has emerged into the new decade with a brand new female vocalist to show off on tour. Catch these L.A. rockers at Bottom of the Hill with Birdmonster and Orange Peels. Should be interesting.

6th Annual Voices of Latin Rock Event, Benefiting The Alex Speaks Foundation Honoring Bruce Cohn & Arturo Riera with the Armando Peraza Award. Artists Scheduled to Appear: - Taj Mahal - Holly Stell - Michael Shrieve's Spellbinder - Members of The Doobie Brothers - Lester Chambers of the Chambers Brothers - Lenny Williams of Tower of Power - Carlos Reyes Band - Members of Santana - VOLR Band lead by Karl Perazzo - Richard Bean & Sapo with Raul Rekow - Tribute to The Aliens - More Guest Artists to Come Tickets on Sale Now!

Guitarist Charlie Hunter will celebrate the release of his new album Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid at his 10-year anniversary run at Yoshi's. The new album features Hunter alongside drummer Eric Kalb (Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, John Scofield) and a new horn section including trombonist Curtis Fowlkes (Jazz Passengers, Lounge Lizards, Bill Frisell), trombonist Alan Ferber (Don Byron, Kenny Wheeler) and trumpeter Eric Biondo (Antibalas, TV On The Radio). It's a star-studded lineup—don't miss it.

It's a double-hitter at Du Nord. Girls upstairs at the Swedish American Hall and Forro in the Dark downstairs in the den. Whether you're in the mood for the stoned, sun-brushed sound of SF or feel more like a Brazilian dance party, our fave Castro music venue has you covered. It's Friday—stay for both shows and make it a late night.

reapandsow>presents Gaby V CD Release Party featuring Gaby V, Trevor Garrod (Tea Leaf Green), and Matt Layton at the Red Devil Lounge, 1695 Polk St. San Francisco CA, 415-447-4730 $10 9pm 21+ ... San Francisco based singer/songwriter Gaby Velazquez (www.gabyvmusic.com) is pleased to announce the release of his anticipated debut album, Let Me In. The album was mixed by Grammy award winning engineer Oz Fritz, whose legendary work includes sessions with Tom Waits, Les Claypool and Trey Anastasio.

For their last hometown show of 2009, San Francisco's The New Up is joining forces with Loquat, The Cons and more for a night of great Bay Area music on Saturday, November 28 at the Red Devil Lounge. The New Up has a sound that's described as "Metric with a touch of the Rolling Stones, with a front woman with an addictive, classy, lingering voice" (Behind the Hype) and "striking, exotic and brashly coherent indie pop that feel[s] like the sonic equivalent of a thrill ride" (Flagpole).

Yes, folks, you heard right—music artist Matisyahu has been breaking ground with his Hebrew hip hop and reggae. Best known for his single "King Without a Crown," he's got three albums under his belt and has worked with such industry heavyweights as Sly & Robbie. He brings Jewish tradition to the mainstream and we hear he puts on a killer live show. Be there.