Thursday, October 9
The Irish psych-pop band Pugwash has been wowing fans in the Old World since the turn of the millennium, and they’re making Portland one of the stops on their first tour of the New World. Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Thomas Walsh, the group’s been described as a cross between ELO and XTC (members of the latter have played and contributed songs to the band), which sounds A-OK to us. Local pop kingpin Spencer Albee opens the 9 p.m. show at Empire (575 Congress St., Portland). Tix: $7 (21+). 747-5063. portlandempire.com.