Fan Tastic

SAT 9/27

“My playing is self-taught and rather pedestrian at times, but that’s all right,” says a self-deprecating Will Johnson, frontman for the lyrical indie band Centro-matic. Johnson’s achingly gritty, no-frills vocals accompany the dramatic, classical-sounding melodies of keyboardist and electric violinist Scott Danborn. The rhythm section contributes a driving garage sound, so you’re just as likely to rock out to a Centro-matic song as you are to cradle a glass of whiskey and sway. Centro-matic’s early albums are perfect soundtracks for driving in the rain on a Saturday afternoon; the later albums could get bumped to a Friday night or, possibly, a sunny day.

The newest album, Love You Just the Same, promises “loud and soft songs with radioactivity references and the occasional sports metaphor,” Johnson says. “It’s orange.”

We recommend buying these guys a drink if you go to their show Saturday night at the Brick (1727 McGee), if only to thank them for continuing to perform in Kansas City after a bad night at Davey’s a few years back. Of the maybe eight people who showed up, three were drunk jerks who heckled them. The crowds have gotten friendlier over the years, but there’s still room for growth: Johnson likes Maker’s on the rocks, Scott likes Mexican beers and Mark’s into Guinness. (Matt doesn’t drink much.) For information, call 816-421-1634.— Gina Kaufmann

Radio Station

Live radio comes to the City Stage.

SAT 9/27

It seems appropriate that a live radio-comedy series will open its new season with a broadcast from a train station. Neither live radio-comedy shows nor train stations get much traffic these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re not cool. Right Between the Ears (the Kansas Public Radio comedy troupe that usually broadcasts live from Liberty Hall in Lawrence) kicks off its new season with two shows at Union Station’s City Stage (30 West Pershing Road), starting at 5 and 8 p.m this Saturday. Each one-hour show has tickets for $15, but only the 8 p.m. show will be broadcast live on KANU 91.5. For tickets and information, call 816-460-2020.— Michael Vennard