Galactic at Toad’s Place
Hip-hop bands are experiments that rarely gel into lasting contributions to the art form, The Roots being the exception that proves the rule. The New Orleans based-Galactic, however, added rap vocalists to its latest album, “From the Corner to the Block,” and created an enduring work that’s caught the ears of rap critics and die-hard fans. Similar to Breakestra and other new funk bands, Galactic is built on the legacy of soulful ’60s and ’70s groups such as The Meters and Booker T. and the MG’s. The addition of bona fide lyricists moves their music out of the retro column and into a funky space of their own. Appearing with the band Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. is Mr. Lif, Boots Riley (of The Coup) and Lifesavas. $20-$22. 648-TOAD. — Craig Belcher
The Falsies at Alley Katz
The Falsies keep it real with pop-rock melodies and a chaotic stage show that showcases their failure to take themselves seriously. A glance at the insert for “The Real Fake Things” shows the band members sporting devilish costumes, and a keyboard player who appears to be wearing the padding commonly associated with the band’s moniker. If there’s anything this quartet approaches with serious intent, it’s their music. The Charlottesville-based band’s sound has been compared to Sonic Youth, The Cramps and Velvet Underground. The Falsies perform at Alley Katz Friday, Nov. 9, with Think and Chalkline Beauty at 9 p.m. $8. 643-2816. — C.B.
Tommy Davidson at Funny Bone
An alumnus of the controversial 1990s sketch comedy show “In Living Color,” Tommy Davidson hasn’t enjoyed the mainstream success of some fellow cast members — almost hard to believe that Jamie Foxx and Jim Carrey got started there. But he continues to make people laugh. The comedian, best remembered for his dead-on impersonations of Sugar Ray Leonard and Sammy Davis Jr., continues to do stand-up, a vehicle some of his peers (like Carrey and Keenan Ivory Wayans) abandoned. While some of his former cast-mates have become mini-moguls and pampered movie stars, Davidson still knows how to work a room. The Washington, D.C., native appears Nov. 8-Nov. 11. Tickets are $22. 521-8900. — C.B.
The Doodlebops at the Richmond Coliseum
They speak in rhyme, dress in go-go dancer outfits and have color-coordinated skin and hair. Terrifying LSD flashback? Close — it’s children’s singing sensation the Doodlebops. Hailing from Canada, these Playhouse Disney mainstays will perform such hits as “Wobbly Whoopsy” and “Different Things.” Expect your children’s tiny voices to disappear in a sea of hundreds of other children’s shrieks. The Doodlebops play Nov. 11, three months after fellow children’s band The Wiggles came to town. We’re guessing the tour dates were scheduled so as to avoid the inevitable preschool turf wars. (They have the most colorful gang signs you’ve ever seen.) The show starts at 1 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. $16-$36. 262-8100 or visit www.richmondcoliseum.net. — Colby Rogers
