American Aquarium / Lance Roark [Big Room-Upstairs]

For nearly two decades, American Aquarium have pushed toward that rare form of rock-and-roll that’s revelatory in every sense. “For us the sweet spot is when you’ve got a rock band that makes you scream along to every word, and it’s not until you’re coming down at three a.m. that you realize those words are saying something real about your life,” says frontman BJ Barham. “That’s what made us fall in love with music in the first place, and that’s the goal in everything we do.” On their new album The Fear of Standing Still, the North Carolina-bred band embody that dynamic with more intensity than ever before, endlessly matching their gritty breed of country-rock with Barham’s bravest and most incisive songwriting to date. As he reflects on matters both personal and sociocultural—e.g., the complexity of Southern identity, the intersection of generational trauma and the dismantling of reproductive rights—American Aquarium instill every moment of The Fear of Standing Still with equal parts unbridled spirit and illuminating empathy. Recorded live at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, The Fear of Standing Still marks American Aquarium’s second outing with producer Shooter Jennings—a three-time Grammy winner who also helmed production on 2020’s critically lauded Lamentations, as well as albums from the likes of Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker. In a departure from the stripped-down subtlety of 2022’s Chicamacomico (a largely acoustic rumination on grief), the band’s tenth studio LP piles on plenty of explosive riffs and hard-charging rhythms, bringing a visceral energy to the most nuanced and poetic of lyrics. “In our live show the band’s like a freight train that never lets up, and for this record I really wanted to showcase how big and anthemic we can be,” notes Barham, whose bandmates include guitarist Shane Boeker, pedal-steel guitarist Neil Jones, keyboardist Rhett Huffman, drummer Ryan Van Fleet, and bassist Alden Hedges.

Wilshire / Abigail & The Starlings [Big Room-Upstairs]

Pride Kink Night [Big Room-Upstairs]

Purple Umbrella Joint presents [Big Room-Upstairs]

Mint Cream Holiday Market [Big Room-Upstairs]

8ball & MJG w/ Austin Cruise / PreauXX / Supa Glock Bros [Big Room-Upstairs]

Un Plato Más [Big Room-Upstairs]

Rainbow Rumble [Big Room-Upstairs]

This monthly drag and performer competition is hosted by Moth Moth Moth. Each show will have its own theme, and one of our Season 4 winners will return to co-host for the night. Meanwhile, competitors are lip-syncing for the chance to compete at the GRAND Rainbow Rumble in December for a cash prize, bragging rights, accessories, and MORE! — More details on themes to come! ——18+ audience——Rainbow Rumble is co-produced by Legend of Shelda & Moth Moth Moth