Funny name, Serious Jamming

Renminbi‘s name is a lot like its music — it takes more than a glance to properly read it, but it’s worth the effort. Though the literal translation of Renminbi — “the people’s currency” — sounds a bit like one of Duane “The Rock” Johnson’s old wrestling moves, Renminbi’s tunes come off more oblique than obnoxious, pleasantly guiding listeners up builds, down chord progressions and through tempo shifts. Take a Brooklyn-indie-rock ride tonight as Renminbi’s driven ambience takes over Crosstown Station (1522 McGee).Kansas City acts Ste. Simone and Mr. History open the show with their own distinct tones. Simone’s jams waggle around a postpunk sound, and Mr. History soars through the postrock stratosphere on delay-pedal wings. This 21-and-older show starts at 9 p.m. Entry costs $5. For information, see Crosstown station.com or call 816-471-1522.

Wed., June 18, 2008