5 can't-miss November concerts in Columbia: Midwest punk, jazz, country-rock and more
Musically speaking, November truly kicks into gear with the Columbia Experimental Music Festival.
A number of shows, several living just under the radar, follow and promise to propel Columbia listeners toward the holidays. Here are just five must-hear dates from a strong November.
Nov. 8: Scott Mulvahill at Rose Music Hall
A singer, songwriter, bassist — and accomplished musical friend of Bruce Hornsby, Ricky Skaggs and others — the Houston native thoughtfully threads together folk and roots-music practice with a musical language made of small, meaningful innovations.
"Canyon," Mulvahill's new record, carries listeners along on easy, pop-adjacent currents and effortless charm, then reveals intriguing musical layers and lyrical food for thought. Come for the quietly compelling originals, stay for Mulvahill's cool, breathy, bluesy cover of Smash Mouth staple "Walkin' on the Sun."
Zach Heckendorf shares the bill. Tickets are $12-$15. Visit https://rosemusichall.com/ for more information.
Nov. 12: Alexa Tarantino at Murry's
An East Coast saxophonist with a golden tone, Tarantino has been releasing records under her own name or as a co-bandleader since her early 20s. Her work feels deeply embedded within jazz tradition yet as relevant as each next breath, each next note.
Later this month, she and her band will grace the current "We Always Swing" Jazz Series season with a pair of sets at Murry's. Tickets are $20-$50. Visit https://www.wealwaysswing.org/season/2023-2024/ for more.
Nov. 15: Knuckle Puck and Real Friends at The Blue Note
It's a good old-fashioned Midwest punk show when Chicagoland neighbors Knuckle Puck and Real Friends team up for an evening of galloping guitars, dynamic swings and singalong choruses. Knuckle Puck's new one, "Losing What We Love," is a strong addition to the 2023 rock canon.
One Step Closer and Arms Length share the bill. Tickets are $25-$30. Visit https://thebluenote.com/ for more information.
Nov. 17: Chris Knight at The Blue Note
Kentucky native Chris Knight plays the sorts of country and heartland rock anthems that instantly make you feel as though you're hearing them for the hundredth time — and the first.
An Everyman approach has attracted the attention and talent of artists such as Lee Ann Womack and the late legend John Prine, both of whom appeared with Knight on his 2019 record "Almost Daylight." And his thoughtful, narrative songwriting have drawn in the likes of Blake Shelton and Randy Travis, who have recorded Knight songs.
Tickets range from $25-$35.
Nov. 18: Chat Pile at Rose Music Hall
This Oklahoma City band brings — or perhaps simply bottles, then releases — a distinctly American noise to its songs. "There's more screaming than you think," the band affirms on "Slaughterhouse," the opening track from last year's much-acclaimed record "God's Country."
Chat Pile "deals in extreme bleakness: tales of violence and societal collapse, riffs that sound like they’re on the verge of throwing up," Pitchfork's Andy Cush wrote. "Still, there is something sly — and even a little silly — about these songs that somehow heightens the album’s urgency even more."
Littered with Arrows and Bad Investments share the bill. Tickets are $20-$25.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: From Midwest punk to country, 5 can't-miss November concerts in Columbia
