First on the list: For many listeners, the haunting acoustic folk music of Sam Beam — he’s the man behind the dietary supplement-inspired moniker Iron & Wine — first came into play via the “Garden State” soundtrack, which featured his understated rendition of the Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights.”
While Beam’s cover didn’t earn any life-changing recommendations as the Shins’ song “New Slang” did from Natalie Portman’s character, the song focused both critical and public attention on the heavily bearded singer-songwriter. Later, it was featured in an M&M’s commercial. With such immediate notoriety, one-hit wonder status seemed imminent, but that wasn’t the case for Beam; his Sub Pop recordings “The Creek Drank the Cradle” and “Our Endless Numbered Days” found a considerable following and earned critical comparisons to Nick Drake and Elliott Smith.
Beam’s latest release, “The Shepherd’s Dog,” showcases decidedly newer territory for Iron & Wine. The album is a larger-scale studio production, features contributions from jazz artists and members of Calexico, and takes politics as its topic of choice. On Friday, Iron & Wine and Califone perform at the Paramount Theatre.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Info: (415) 421-8497 or www.ticketmaster.com
2 John Butler Trio
Warfield, 982 Market St., San Francisco
The Australian-based jam band has toured in support of the Dave Matthews Band.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: (415) 775-7722 or www.ticketmaster.com
3 The Lemonheads
Slim’s, 333 11th St., S.F.
The band’s cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” has been its most successful single to date.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Info: www.slims-sf.com
4 The Tossers
The Independent, 628 Divisadero St., San Francisco
The seven-piece band is a staple in the Celtic punk and folk music scene.
When: 8 p.m. Monday
Info: (415) 771-1421
5 Spice Girls
HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose
The group famous for its girl power message has reunited for a world tour and is singing greatest hits.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Info: (415)-421-8497
Best stage
1 42nd Street Moon: “Oh, Lady! Lady!!” centers on wedding plans derailed by a former flame.
Info: (415) 255-8207
2 Divas in December: Stage veteran Carole Cook performs her one-woman show.
Info: (415) 861-8972 Sam Shepard’s “True West” is a modern take on a Wild West showdown.
3 Boxcar Theatre:
Info: (415) 776-1747
4 Noh Space: “4.48 Psychosis’’ presents an intimate portrait of suicidal depression.
Info: www.theatreofyugen.org
5 SF Playhouse: “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge” is a new take on Dickens’ classic.
Info: (415) 677-9596
Best gatherings
1 Union Street: Meet Santa Claus and his friends at the “Fantasy of Lights Parade” Saturday.
Info: www.unionstreetsf.com
2 S.F. Silent Film Festival: Features include “Vitaphone Vaudeville” and “Flesh and the Devil.”
Info: (866) 468-3399
3 “Around the World in 80 Beers”: Eighty varieties are offered for tasting Saturday.
Info: www.aroundtheworldin80beers.com
4 Poets speak: Bay Area Scores presents the SF Poetry Slam 2007 at the Herbst.
Info: (415) 486-1310
5 Nutcracker Tea: The Fairmont’s lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Info: (415) 772-5000
Slim’s, 333 11th St., San Francisco
The band’s cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” has been its most successful single to date.
When: 9 p.m. Friday
