Matisyahu unplugged, CineFestival sounds

If you missed Matisyahu's performance at Josabi's last year, here's your chance to see the hasidic reggae/hip-hop star in a more intimate performance: he'll be at the Charles McCombs Empire Theatre (226 N St. Mary's) at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 26. It will be an acoustic performance with guitarist Adam Weinberg, as part of the annual L'Chaim event supporting the social, educational, religious, and outreach efforts of Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas, the local branch of the Hasidic worldwide organization. But dude, even if you're an atheist, you gotta check this underrated rapper. Tickets for this show are $30-$180, and you can get them at matisyahuusa.com or ticketmaster. Call (210) 492-1085 for more info.

On a more secular note, there's a strong lineup Friday at Hi-Tones (621 Dewey Pl): The Down-Fi (bassist Craig Bell of Cleveland proto punks Rocket From The Tombs), Chelsea Hotel (with Robert Conn of Cleveland's Pagans), the Hickoids (their first gig of the year and first with Lance Farley (Honky, Pocket FishRmen), and the return of the Copper Gamins, the Mexican duo that temporarily lived in SA, moved to Austin, and have just been signed by Saustex Records (their debut album will now be distributed worldwide). Music starts at 9pm, and tickets are 5 bucks, 21 and over.

Finally, this year's CineFestival has several treats for music lovers, starting this Saturday with the kick-ass kickoff Girl in a Coma concert at Plaza Guadalupe and the screening of Jammin' at the Teatro Guadalupe (1301 Guadalupe). But 3 p.m. Sunday you'll be able to see Las Tesoros de San Antonio, also at the Guadalupe, a documentary made of the Guadalupe concert given last year by Rita Vidaurri, Beatriz Llamas, Blanca Rosa, and Perla Tapatía, four of the greatest living vocal legends our city has. Next week I'll tell you more about other CineFestival music movies you shouldn't miss, but for now I'll leave you with three words: Marimbas From Hell. Stay tuned.

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