Wed, Dec 28 - 8pm - $8

 Katastrofist:  Former members of Ghettobillies. High energy, power pop. Sounds like: Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, RaconteursThat's all you need to know, bitch. 

 Hüsker Dü was founded by Grant Hart, Greg Norton and Bob Mould in 1979. Only 17, Grant Hart was nonetheless a veteran of a handful of previous bands and had already been playing music professionally since the age of 13. Hüsker Dü made several records for the legendary "SST" label including the much-loved "Zen Arcade", "New Day Rising" and "Flip Your Wig". Moving on to Warner Brothers Records in 1985 they made two fine albums, 1986's "Candy Apple Grey" and the band's second double album, "Warehouse". Using a fake name, Grant produced all the visual art for the band, including all the record covers, some of which earned the band awards and helped secure the group's artistic aesthetic. Ironically, it was Grant's refusal to take the credit for this work that caused friction when other members insisted on receiving a fee for production of the records.Leaving the group in 1987 to form first "The Swallows" then eventually "Nova Mob", Hart and ex-partner Mould became embroiled in one of rock music's most enduring feuds. The Hüsker Dü audience was already divided into two distinct factions before the band broke up. Afterward, Grant fans and Bob fans took turns finding evidence of friction in each man's solo work. Where they once were compared to Lennon and McCartney musically, they were now put into the roles of bickering ex-colleagues.Beginning with his 1988 release, "Intolerance", Grant's solo records have been subtle, thematic renderings that move the listener along the route, building up to climaxes all the more dramatically. Grant's 2000 release, "Good News for Modern Man" continues with his practice of laying down all the instrumental tracks himself. This record was handicapped by label bankruptcy in the US, but was acclaimed by his listeners as the most fully realized record he has been involved in.Grant's post-Hüsker band "Nova Mob" disbanded in 1997 when Grant's domestic partner and bassist moved to Holland to pursue other interests. During the band's career they made two full albums and five singles. Nova Mob's recording of Grant's science-fiction rock opera, "The Last Days of Pompeii" was the last record released by Rough Trade International before they ceased operations. The ambitious project was only available for a short period, but a new re-mix of the record is prepared to be released soon. Hart is currently finalizing negotiations for his next recording.Although music is still Grant's main stock in trade, his visual arts skills remain as sharp as ever. In addition, he has recently taken part in several readings of his poetry as well as reading the works of his late friend Charles Henri Ford at the Metropolitan Arts Club in New York. He often performs with Patti Smith and has shared the stage with such notables as Charles Plymell, Philip Glass and of course his late chum William S. Burroughs. He currently serves such diverse organizations as The Duchamp Society, The Ghost Squadron of the Confederate Air Force and The Studebaker Drivers Club of North America. 

Shalini wouldn't have chosen to name her band after herself, but more seasoned veterans of the industry talked her into it. Sure enough, booking agents and audiences seemed to approve, as female names for bands/singers became the status quo. She played her first show with the "'new" band name in August 1999 at the Mercury Lounge in NYC. The band took on a more professional sound, moving toward louder commercial pop/rock with the addition of drummer Eric Marshall. Parasol released the first Shalini CD, We Want Jelly Donuts, in 2000. The combo played SxSW on March 17, and completed a 2,200 mile regional tour that Fall.Meanwhile, a stylish local label popped up in Greensboro NC, headed by a young lawyer and music fan named Christina Lewis. After discovering they had much in common, Dalloway Records offered Shalini a contract in 2003 and released Metal Corner in April of 2004. These songs were used by MTV in its reality shows "Made" and "Trailer Fabulous". After Metal Corner, the band was busy for the next year playing local outdoor festivals and weekend tour dates.Then, things stalled. Dalloway became unsure of its future, so Shalini exited her contract and released her next record The Surface and the Shine in 2007 on the tiny Electric Devil label. This record was made in different stages, starting in Chicago in 2005 and finishing in NC. The band toured in the Midwest and regional South in '07 and '08. Some shows were opening for producer Mitch Easter's band (in which Shalini also played bass and, later, guitar from 2002-2009) which meant expanded bookings and travel.Then, things stalled again. The 14-year musical alliance with Easter disintegrated. Shalini started working on a new set of songs which were to become Magnetic North, recorded in Chapel Hill over an October weekend in '09. Drummer Chris Garges stepped in to guide the recording at beautiful Double Decker Bus studios. The Paisley Pop label, based in Portland, OR, released the Magnetic North EP with ongoing help from 125records.com.In 2010, Shalini decided it was time for a fresh start. She moved to Chicago that Fall and is currently working on new recordings. She plans to book as many shows as she can, and recently played in the April 2011 International Pop Overthrow festival.