I didn’t take the plunge on wristbands, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try and see some music. A naked wrist means a progressively tougher time getting in as the night progresses, which requires some planning and a high tolerance for frustration. Here are some bands I’ll try to check out Friday evening, assuming I get in and don’t spend more in covers than I would have paid for wristbands in the first place.

6:00 Harry Shearer’s “Le Show Live” – Central Presbyterian Church (200 E 8th)
8:00 Brakes (UK) – Ritz Downstairs (320 E. 6th)
8:00 SSM (Detroit) – Beerland (711.5 Red River)
8:00 Klezmatics (NYC) – Cedar Street (208 W 4th)
9:30 Billy Bragg (UK) – Cedar Street (208 W 4th)
10:00 River City Tanlines (Memphis) – Beerland (711.5 Red River)
10:00 Gemma Hayes (Dublin) – Soho Lounge (217 E 6th)
11:00 Editors (UK) – Ritz Downstairs (320 E. 6th)
11:00 Sarah Borges (Boston) – 18th Floor @ Capitol Place (500 N IH 35)
11:00 The Walls (Dublin) – Soho Lounge (217 E 6th)
11:30 Tralala (Brooklyn) – Red 7 (611 E 7th)
12:00 KT Tunstall (London) – Ritz Downstairs (320 E. 6th)
12:00 Magic Numbers (UK) – Stubb’s (801 Red River)
12:30 Ted Leo/Pharmacists (NJ) – Red 7 (611 E 7th)
1:00 John Popper Project (NYC) – Opal Divines (700 W 6th)
1:00 The Aeroplanes (UK) – Spiro’s (615 Red River)
1:00 Bruce Robison (Austin) – 18th Floor @ Capitol Place (500 N IH 35)

And, yeah, it’s still “The Ritz” as far as I’m concerned, although the banners are calling it “The Blender Bar at the Ritz.” Whatever.