Positively State Street Harry and the Potters Prepare to Cast a Spell in Isla Vista Wizard Rock, Honky-Tonk, and Our Annual Battle of the Bands Kicks Off

ROCKING AND ROWLING: Grab your wands, and get ready to party. This Tuesday, July 24, Massachusetts-born wizard rockers Harry and the Potters make their Santa Barbara debut at the Biko Co-op Garage (6612 Sueno Rd.). Founded in 2002 by brothers Joe and Paul DeGeorge, the band based on a book has gone on to gain fans worldwide, not to mention spawn a whole genre of magically inclined rock ’n’ roll acts in their wake. Since forming their band, the DeGeorges have written and released six albums’ worth of Harry Potter–inspired anthems and toured around the world. (Sample song titles include “Voldemort Can’t Stop the Rock,” “Save Ginny Weasley,” and — my personal favorite — “In Which Draco Malfoy Cries Like a Baby.”) In concert, Harry and the Potters are a potent and positivity-filled mix of punk, indie, and DIY, making up for in spirit what they may lack in sonic bells and whistles. They’re also lauded for their live sets, which are equal parts dance party and schoolyard sing-along. (The brothers spent the majority of their early career touring libraries around the country, playing their Potter jams for the very under-21 crowd.)

Tuesday’s concert marks just one in a long string of dates the band is playing to celebrate Harry and the Potters’ 10th anniversary. Along for the ride are Haggard and Potter Puppet Pals, who guarantee a fun-filled and interactive show for the whole family. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is open to all ages. Visit sbdiy.org for info. And don’t forget your spell book.

IN FLIGHT: This week, the Biko just keeps on giving. On Friday, July 20, I.V.’s favorite garage hosts K Records artist Little Wings alongside Tara Jane O’Neil, and Bouquet. The brainchild of longtime visual artist and music maker Kyle Field, Little Wings exist in a mysteriously sweet space just below the pop-culture radar. From here, Field crafts sweet, poignant, and heartfelt acoustic tunes that never come across precious. If you’re a fan of folk and in the market for a mind-expanding experience, I highly suggest you check this one out. The show starts at 9 p.m. Visit sbdiy.org for details.

SUMMER STRUMMIN’: Also this week, Mutiny Studios and Jasmine Alternative Music School (JAMS) celebrate summer with two of the season’s most action-packed musical events. On Saturday, July 21, Santa Barbara’s Mutiny Studios will take over The Creekside Bar & Grill (4444 Hollister Ave.) for a party it’s calling the 2nd Annual Summertime Jamboree. The live-music lineup includes L.A. act Karling and the Atomics and Las Vegas’s The Scoundrels, as well as area faves like Phantom Pomps, The Ventucky String Band, Dead Zed’s Chopper, and the day’s hosts, The Mutineers. On top of that, the day (and night) will include a ’50s-style burlesque review, a car show, BBQ, and a pin-up girl contest. Start your engines because the party starts at 1 p.m. and stretches all the way to midnight. For tickets and info, visit mutinysb.com.

On Sunday, July 22, JAMS opens its doors to the public for a daylong concert to celebrate and support the S.B. music community. The Milpas Street nonprofit offers musical instruction (and an open practice space) to kids year-round. Sunday’s show includes sets from students and S.B. locs The Wha Wha’s, Soul Mates, Sometime After Sundown, Marley Quinn, Heartbeat, Dave Lichten, Amoride, and Rick Reeves that will go from 2-8 p.m. Call 252-0562 or visit starjasminemusic.org. JAMS is located at 631½ North Milpas Street.

CALLING ALL BANDS: Finally, this Thursday, July 19, marks the beginning of our fifth annual Downtown Sound battle-of-the-bands competition. If you’re in a band or solo project and living in Santa Barbara County, we invite you to head on over to independent.com/bands and submit. Once you’ve entered, we’ll add your information to our online catalog of bands and add your name to the first round of online battle, which kicks off mid September. Good luck!

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