The year started out with a couple of big, eclectic, all-local lineups at First Avenue -- the Current's fifth anniversary bash in January, soon followed by the Electric Fetus tornado benefit in February -- and now there will be one more by year's end: A 40th anniversary bash for the club itself on Dec. 15 with some of its mainstay performers from throughout the years. So far, the lineup includes Gary Louris, Har Mar Superstar (two guys I never thought I'd see on a bill together), Grant Hart, the Mighty Mofos/Hypsterz, Matt Wilson & John Munson, Heiruspecs and DJ Woody McBride, plus "special guests." Tickets ($10) go on sale Nov. 6. The club actually turned 40 in April, but -- a sure sign it's not having any kind of midlife crisis -- it has pretty much been too busy to celebrate until December.
And if you didn't hear already, the Hold Steady will also return to First Ave before the year is up -- right before, it actually. They're booked Dec. 29 with a stellar three-band lineup also featuring the reborn Meat Puppets and Retribution Gospel Choir (the latter two bands toured together last year). Tickets ($25) are on sale now. The Hold Steady will also play a New Year's Eve gig in Milwaukee at the Riverside Theater.
