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Solano Stroll
The term “stroll” implies a leisurely walk, but taking in the sheer volume of attractions scheduled for the 26-block expanse that is the Solano Stroll requires more of a sprint, or at least some serious speed-walking. More than 250,000 people are expected to attend the festival, now in its 37th year and featuring a parade, Ferris wheel, juried arts and crafts show, and “Green Zone” for energy-saving tips — plus around one hundred different entertainers and food booths. On Solano Avenue between San Pablo Avenue and TheAlameda (Albany and Berkeley) on Sunday, Sept. 11. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free. 510-527-5358 or SolanoStroll.org. — Cassie Harwood
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
A lot of modern bands have tried to emulate the Sixties folk sound, but few have succeeded as uniquely and non-annoyingly as Seattle’s Fleet Foxes. Much of that can be attributed to the band’s gorgeous and expertly-executed multi-part harmonies, as evidenced by its self-titled debut, released in 2008 on Sub Pop. The band is also big on dynamics, building quiet folkie parts into a dramatic, entrancing stereo sound more fit for a concert hall than a coffee shop. Fleet Foxes’ most recent release, Helplessness Blues, continues to draw from the Sixties folk tradition with a strong focus on vocal harmonies, but with added attention to nontraditional instrumentation, including hammered dulcimer, wood flute, tympani, twelve-string guitar, tamboura (a long-necked lute), Marxophone (a fretless zither), clarinet, music box, Tibetan singing bowls, and vibraphone. “SimSalaBim” begins with delicate acoustic guitar-picking and singer Robin Pecknold’s sensitive voice — reminiscent of Graduate-era Simon & Garfunkel — then delves into a lush, orchestral wall of sound. Live, Fleet Foxes’ harmonies are reportedly goose-bump-inducing, and the Greek Theatre (Hearst Ave. at Gayley Rd., Berkeley) should be a perfect setting to absorb it all when the band performs there with The Walkmen on Saturday, Sept. 10. 8 p.m., $39.50. APEConcerts.com. — Kathleen Richards
