Here are some shows this weekend that will console us all in the wake of the filing of divorce between Ashton & Demi:
Rachael Yamagata
Spotlight show • The 34-year-old rockin’ singer-songwriter hadn’t heard of Pledge Music before she began preparing to record her latest album "Chesapeake," but she had found funding difficult since she decided to become independent. In a Tribune interview, Yamagata said that she had already used up all of the money her dad had set aside for her wedding. A friend told her about the website where fans could donate to help her record the album. So Yamagata set up a page, and her fans showed their love: 1,576 pledges came in, and Yamagata received almost double the amount she asked for. "I was really, really excited," she said. "I was out of the picture for a few years, so it was a nice affirmation" of support. Yamagata visited John Alagia’s reconverted house studio on the Chesapeake Bay and recorded an album that she claims she’s truly proud of. There will be a problem, though, if she ever meets Mr. Right. "I have to elope if I want to get married now," she said. Mike Viola opens.
When • Friday, Nov. 18, 9 p.m.
Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • Sold out
David Alan Grier
The comedian known from "In Living Color" and Comedy Central’s "Chocolate News" is actually a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. Grier began his professional career on Broadway as Jackie Robinson in "The First," for which he earned a Tony nomination in 1981.
When • Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 and 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where • Wiseguys West Valley City, 2194 W. 3500 South, West Valley City
Tickets • $25 at wiseguyscomedy.com
The Fearless Friends Tour
The Fearless Friends Tour features Blessthefall, The Word Alive, Motionless In White, Tonight Alive and Chunk! No Captain Chunk!
When • Friday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m.
Where • In The Venue, 219 S. 600 West, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $16 at SmithsTix
J. Chris Newberg
The Monthly Comedy Showcase features DJ Cooch, Jen Murphy, and J Chris Newberg, who has toured with Dane Cook and received airtime this past season on "America’s Got Talent."
When • Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $20 in advance, $25 day of. at SmithsTix
Shwayze and Cisco Adler
Aaron Smith, known as the rapper Shwayze, was working at a coffee shop when he met Whitestarr frontman Cisco Adler. Shwayze impressed Adler when he jumped on stage and began freestyling during a Whitestarr concert. The pair began making music together, and later became the focus on a 2008 MTV reality TV show, "Buzzin’."
When • Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.
Where • In The Venue, 219 S. 600 West, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $20 at SmithsTix
Eastern Strings and Western Airs
A concert featuring traditional Vietnamese music by the Lac Viet Band — which includes Hoang Co Thuy, Nguyen Xuan Yen and Lan Nguyen — blended with a western ensemble led by Clive Romney.
When • Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
Where • Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, West Valley City
Tickets • Free
Group for Experimental Music
This Brigham Young University ensemble will present a concert of experimental and improvised music.
When • Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Madsen Recital Hall, Brigham Young University, Corner of North Campus and Heritage Drives, Provo
Tickets • Free
Junction City Big Band
Junction City Big Band, directed by Steve Ericksen, will perform some Big Band versions of songs for lovers. Dance instruction by Margene Anderson will be offered at 7 p.m. for an additional $1.
When • Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.
Where • Shepherd Union Ballroom, Weber State University, 3750 Harrison Blvd., Ogden
Tickets • $5 at door
Jazz Vespers on James Bond
David Halliday and Courtney Smith lead local jazz musicians in music associated with Agent 007.
When • Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • First Unitarian Church, 1300 E. 569 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free; donations requested
