We are in the middle of the May holidays and the streets seem half-empty as many Muscovites left the city for a short vacation, taking advantage of a three-day working week. For the rest of us, there is a long weekend ahead and what better way to spend it then at the best gigs in town? Here are our top picks:
Dasha Shults is an inégnue from Saint Petersburg, who was initially compared with Birdy because of Dasha's heartfelt covers of famous English language songs. That's how she became popular on the Internet and got noticed by Oleg Nesterov, leader of the band Megapolis and producer. Dasha went on to record her first album "Moloko" at Nesterov's label Snegiri. She is now recording her sophomore album and will present some of the new songs at her Thursday concert.
16 Tons. 6/1 Ulitsa Presnensky Val. Metro 1905 Goda. Tickets from 400 rubles ($6). Thursday at 8 p.m.
Detsl aka Le Truk — real name Kirill Tolmatsky — is a poster child of Russia's MTV generation. He started performing in his teen years and recorded his first and most successful album to date when he was 17. His single "Vecherinka u Detsla Doma" (Party at Detsl's house) is known by heart by virtually every Russian under 40. Now, 16 years later, Detsl is still going strong and producing new music. On his latest album "Detsellion" released last year he turned to dancehall and electronic beats and raps in English on some of the tracks. At his Friday concert Detsl will perform both his new stuff and his old hits.
16 Tons. 6/1 Ulitsa Presnensky Val. Metro Ulitsa 1905 Goda. Tickets from 600 rubles ($9). Friday at 8 p.m.
Triagrutrika, hailing from Chelyabinsk, were virtually unknown beyond their hometown for years. Then they signed up with Gazgolder label, founded by probably the most popular Russian rap artist Basta. Triagrutrika is not a real word, the band's members were just trying to come up with a name with zero results on Google. At the same time their lyrics are about things real enough for young people in Russia: life in a big city. Triagrutrika has become indispensable on Moscow rap scene and can now play venues as large as Yotaspace.
Yotaspace. 11 Ulitsa Ordzhonikidze. Metro Leninsky Prospekt. Tickets from 300 rubles ($4.50). Saturday at 8 p.m.
On Sunday check out Hospital, one of the most successful English-language indie-rock bands in Moscow. They have played as an opening band for everyone from Lana Del Rey to The Kooks and The Neighborhood. Hospital's sound has matured on their second album "Uncommon Sense," released last year, which includes hit songs "Lovergirl" and "Ariel." It's also quite upbeat, so wear your dancing shoes!
Mumy Troll Music Bar. 7 Ulitsa Tverskaya. Metro Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya. Tickets from 500 rubles ($7.50). Sunday at 9 p.m.
Contact the author at artsreporter@imedia.ru
