1997, A-Trak, The Pretenders, The Rebirth Brass Band

1997
Even while featuring members of local acts Constance, Funeral Etiquette, and October Fall, 1997 still hasn’t found a lineup that will stick preceding its third album. The band, whose name origins apparently have nothing to do with said year, began in 2005 and was quickly signed to Victory Records for the release of A Better View of the Rising Moon in 2006 before spending most of ’07 touring with the likes of The Audition and The Graduate. After wrapping up their second album On the Run, the loss of band members began as vocalist/keyboardist Kerri Mack was replaced by Alida Marroni. Riding a buzz from Spin and playing Warped Tour before touring with Still Remains, Aiden, and Drop Dead Gorgeous, the band then lost Marroni as well as Alan Goffinski in a falling out between members. Now in the planning of their third album, 1997 is fulfilling tour date obligations by bringing in Arthi Meera band photographer Matt Wysocki. (Appearing with Death in the Park and The Forecast for the early show at Reggie’s Rock Club on Feb. 13) –text: Jyn Radakovits–photo: Matt Wysocki

A-TRAK
Like the youngster whose artistic prowess might have gone unnoticed had it not been for the Crayola mural on the living room wall or the track star who first got discovered while outrunning a gym teacher to ditch class, sometimes a child’s youthful mistakes can turn into career-making happy accidents. Then there’s A-Trak (born Alain Macklovitch) who got his start on the turntables by literally scratching up his father’s record collection at age 13. But it was these early days in Canada listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff that would set the tempo for Macklovitch to soon after become the youngest winner of the DMC World DJ Championship at age 15. Now 26 and world-renown, A-Trak has spent half his life manning the decks on global tours for artists such as Kanye West while taking home some significant hardware as he continues to rack up the annual DJ competition victories. (Appearing with Bald Eagle and The Hood Internet at Smartbar on Feb. 13) –text: Derek Wright–photo: Matt Barnes / thatsthespot.com

THE PRETENDERS
Don’t call it a comeback. While last fall Chrissie Hynde and company released Break Up the Concrete, their first record since 2002’s Loose Screw, they never really left the building. Formed in 1978, The Pretenders ruled the ’80s new wave scene with their punk demeanor and refreshing songwriting, infusing style and creativity into the prevailing rock community of their time — characteristics hard to find amidst the neon fanny packs and George Michael posters of the mainstream ‘80s era. 57-year-old frontwoman Chrissie Hynde has returned to her roots in recent years by opening up a vegan restaurant in her hometown of Akron, Ohio (also home to time-spanning bands like The Black Keys). And she could have fooled me with that whole 57 thing. Chrissie was cool before cool was even cool…and damn, she’s still pretty fucking cool. (Appearing at the Riviera on Feb. 15) –text: Katie Knaub

THE REBIRTH BRASS BAND
Rebirth: An appropriate name for a group of musicians haling from the most uniquely cultured city this nation has ever seen, which is still desperately in need of just that. When thinking of the second-floor wrought-iron encased balconies, the alligator gumbo at The Court of Two Sisters eatery, and the swamps draped from trees with swaying Spanish Moss, one also thinks of New Orleans’ right to boast world-famous brass band music, jazz, and funk. When civil rights for all men and women was still something to be guffawed at, Creole slaves were allowed into the firelight courtyards at night to play what was then thought of as wild, bestial noise. But now that the world has finally caught up, this soulful brand of New Orleans musical wizardry lives on in the Rebirth Brass Band — with Philip and Keith Frazier along with an assortment of local cats and hounds keeping the vibe alive. (Appearing at Martyrs’ on Feb 13 & 14) –text: Benjamin Smithson