If I ever opened a music venue I think I would equip it with an air conditioning unit that felt like you were stepping onto the frozen plains of Antarctica. Today I spoke with a woman from Texas who claimed it was 105 degrees, “How’s the humidity?” I asked. “It never gets that humid,” she said in her regional drawl. I envied her. In the past couple days I have managed to sweat through my rather extensive t-shirt collection, even the ironic one’s purchased from a thrift store when I didn’t know any better. If this weather doesn’t let up soon I’m going to have to either do laundry or share with the world the hair on my nipples; I’m going with the former, nobody needs to see a topless Joshua James. This weeks shows come to us from the fine folks at True Endeavors and take place in venues that may or may not have A/C. The usual rules apply be the first to comment with the show you wish to attend and the pair of tickets are yours. Provided of course that you haven’t won in the last three weeks. On with the shows this is it!

August 6th at Café Montmarte True Endeavors presents: Bodies of Water with Port O’Brien. Doors open at 8:00pm and you must be 21 or over.

Bodies of Water hail from Los Angeles but where often times you can place a band’s geography by it’s sound the remind me more of Montreal. It’s difficult for me to explain what Montreal sounds like but I think one only has to look at The Dears and Arcade Fire to get an idea. If pressed I would say it’s an incorporation of folk sensibility with lush orchestrated noise. Bodies of Water’s ‘Ear’s Will Pop and Eye’s Will Blink’ was forced on me by my wife earlier this year and I am a better man for her doing so. This show should not be missed especially since you’ll more than likely have to battle all the students from back East next time they come to town.

August 6th True Endeavors bring We Are Scientists to the High Noon Saloon. Also appearing are Oxford Collapse and Brighton MA. Doors at 8:00pm and it is 18+.

I swear this is Ms. James week if she wasn’t so busy in kitchen or darning my socks I might let her out for some of these shows, especially since her birthday is coming up. Guess who’s getting a vacuum cleaner? I’m kidding of course...I’m getting her a shoe tree. What? This gig doesn’t pay me so I have to go cheap, don’t judge me.

Anyway We Are Scientists are an indie-pop group out of New York and unlike Bodies of Water they wear their city on their sleeve. With synthesizer laden music that offer a bit more substance than that of their contemporaries. As one who is fed up with the indie-pop dance genre I can say that I still enjoy We Are Scientists. Sharing the bill are Oxford Collapse and Brighton MA who appropriately fit this show.

August 7th at Café Montmarte Eef Barzelay with perform with Lion V. Fish at 7:00pm. The show is 21+ so be prepared to show some I.D.

Do you want to know a secret? Come close. Eef Barzelay is the lead singer and guitarist for alt-country darlings Clem Snide. There is no real departure here with Eef’s solo venture and I am pleased as freaking punch there isn’t. If you have heard any Clem Snide by now you owe it to yourself to educate yourself and then attend this show.

August 8th She & Him make their only Wisconsin appearance at the Barrymore. They come to us courtesy of True Endeavors and will be playing at 8:00pm. Opening the evening’s show will be Becky Stark of Lavender Diamond. The show is all ages so feel free to bring the kids.

I have always contended that all actors/actresses want to be rock stars and visa versa and all writers want to be rockstars. While most music writers are to awkward to act or command any sort of stage presence far to many actors/actresses have dabbled in music. One need not look further than Don Johnson, Bruce Willis or Keanu Reeves to know how horrible actors branching off into music can be, but I’ll be damned if Zooey Deschanel doesn’t give me hope for future crossovers. What initially was an one-off collaboration with folk genius M. Ward for the 2007 Deschanel film ‘The Go-Getter’ has turned into one of my favorite records of 2008. Ms. Deschanel is my no means M. Ward with a vagina on their record instead they incorporate ‘50’s Doo-Wop with a hint of Dusty Springfield. If nobody claims these tickets Ms. James will be getting out of the kitchen and putting on her Sunday’s best for a Friday show.

August 9th at Café Montemarte brings you the lovely Sera Cahoone. Doors are at 8:30pm the show will commence at 9:30pm (The Momo has great food) and you must be 21+ to gain entrance.

There is no better time to talk about indie-folk goddess’ than Sera Cahoone coming to town. I put Ms. Cahoone in the same category of musical ability and genius as I do Iron & Wine, Cat Power, and the above mentioned M. Ward. Sera’s music is bittersweet and passionate; she doesn’t fail to move the listener to reminisce about their yester year; first kisses, skinned knees, puddle jumping and the sort. With an intimate venue such as Café Montemarte is I expect some tears dammit.