MLS Cup Nightlife: Non-Sporting Edition

BY SHAWN FRANCIS

For the MLS Cup-bound fan, coming up with a social plan of attack is just as important as booking a hotel and a flight. And it’s definitely more important than deciding on whether or not to pay a visit to Steve’s Weird House. (Ed. Note: Don’t do it, it will only give you nightmares. Trust us.) It’s somewhat hard to imagine but there may actually come a point during the weekend that you (deep breath) may not want to do anything at all that has to do with soccer. So what are your best local bets for some non-sporting nightlife? Maybe something with a good beat that you can move to? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got you.

If you’re looking to dive head-first into some live music I’m sure we don’t need to remind you that this is Seattle; not only do they make great bands here, but they also let all the other bands from the rest of the world  come over and play on the regular. Thursday the 19th sees venerable indie institution Built to Spill headlining at venerable live music institution The Showbox (tradition: it’s not just for sports teams). Also that night is Chali 2na of Jurassic 5-fame & Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab; look out for them to drop science for the heads at Neumos. And if you fancy a bit of late night danciness, London’s Plump DJs –no fat jokes, please– will be spinning their signature brand of nu skool breaks at Trinity Lounge (and there’s no cover so there’s no excuse).

Friday night offers an eclectic selection of options: Built to Spill at The Showbox once again, Led Zeppelin-aping Australian rockers Wolfmother at The Paramount Theatre (with Heartless Bastards on the under card) and the roots reggae vibes of Eek-A-Mouse at Neumo’s. The go-ahead goal comes courtesy of German nu-jazz/house heroes Jazzanova who’ll hit the decks for a bit of late night future-disco at Chop Suey.

Saturday night also brings a wealth of ridiculous options. If you can still somehow remember the early 90’s you can join in the chant with Nitzer Ebb at El Corazon, but if that’s too old-school for you Them Crooked Vultures –the new project (read: super-group) featuring Dave Grohl, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and Led Zep’s John Paul Jones– are at The Paramount Theatre. Or you could just forget all that and just go and get really, really, spectacularly weird with King Khan & BBQ Show at Chop Suey.

As for Sunday night…well, if you need to go out after the game the only thing I’ll suggest is Warren G –yes, that Warren G– at Neumo’s. If your team wins “Regulate” is the perfect song to get your swag n’ brag on to. And if your club loses you can at least have the satisfaction of all full-throat singalong to Nate Dogg’s hooks.

Regulators, mount up!