You should probably act now if you want to sneak into the pair of gigs Solid Gold sort of snuck onto the Turf Club calendar this weekend, Friday and Saturday nights, which are the official hometown release parties for their "Synchronize EP" (available now on iTunes, in stores March 16). Unofficially, the shows are also something of a warm-up for the band's repeat tear through the South by Southwest Music Conference. Word is a billboard is even being erected on Solid Gold's behalf right along I-35 for the Austin fest. There's no such thing as over-whoring yourself at SXSW. Seriously.
Another cool, somewhat off-the-radar gig happening in St. Paul this weekend: The gorgeous and historic JJ Hill Library is hosting the first of five installments of the Americana Showcase, the twangy songwriters series that Six Mile Grove's Brandon Sampson started down in Rochester. The series is kicking off its St. Paul run Sunday with a lineup: Martin Zellar, Adam Levy (Honeydogs), Ben Kyle (Romantica) and Sampson will perform in-the-round starting at 7:30 p.m. Click here for ticket info ($20). Oh, and lest you fear the library's stiffness: Summit beer will be served.
