http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2014/feb/24/269547/

Fox and the Bird

Based on the band name alone, if I said this was a folk group, would you really be surprised? Combining rich harmonies and layers of instrumentals Fox and the Bird just released latest barebones album Darkest Hours earlier this year in January. Related to some of the darker moments in life with brutally honest lyrics, the music itself is the traditional upbeat melodic sound they offered on first album. Originally a group of four without a formal band in mind, this now three-piece folk rock group has had 14 songwriters and musicians rotate in and out contributing to their overall sound. Only one of the original members, frontman Dan Bowman, is in the current incarnation.
Friday, Feb. 28, at Replay, 946 Massachusetts St., 6 p.m., $3.

SUNU Masquerade Ball

Preceding this year’s Mardi Gras (which is on Tuesday, March 4) is the annual Masquerade Ball hosted by local funk afrobeat SUNU, DJ Proof, and the Brass Mob Brass Band (the Lawrence Mardi Gras Parade Band). It’s the one time of the year when wearing outlandish outfits, along with beads and weird makeup, is absolutely encouraged. Besides, with a mask on you are completely unidentifiable. SUNU just got back to town from a tour to New Orleans and I’ve been told they’ve brought back a bunch of “Mardi Gras mojo.” Let SUNU bring a little bit of New Orleans to Kansas, and get warmed up for the Mardi Gras parade in downtown Lawrence this Tuesday.
Saturday, March 1, at Jazzhaus, 926 Massachusetts St., 10 p.m., $5 with costume, $6 without.

HBD Beau, Josh & Marty! [Cowboy Indian Bear / AYGAMG / Spirit Is The Spirit]

Happy Birthday to Beau Bruns and Martinez Hillard of Cowboy Indian Bear and Joshua Landau of Spirit Is The Spirit! Because the three share a birthday weekend, they will be sharing music for all of us, along with Omaha’s All Young Girl’s Are Machine Guns. There will be a bake sale (this must be the cake portion) as well as complimentary slices of pizza from College Hill Pizza Pub. All proceeds from this bash will go to Family Promise of Lawrence homeless shelter so remember it’s more than just a party with a killer lineup and be sure to contribute what you can.
Saturday, March 1, at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., 9 p.m., $5.

Air Dubai

This six-piece band from Denver refuses to fit any mold, creating fresh, exciting sounds with combinations of soul, hip hop, electronic and rock on every track. Their 2013 five-song Warning EP has garnered the attention of fans interested to hear more from this alternative hip hop outfit known to put on high-energy, lively shows. The band’s current “Thank You For Flying” tour is in support of last year’s EP. They’ve shared the stage with the stage with OneRepublic, 3Oh!3, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Lupe Fiasco & AWOLNATION, and will be playing this year’s Warped Tour. This show should provide a nice little preview.
Sunday, March 2, at Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St., 6:30 p.m., $12 in advance.

Animal Eyes

Hailing from Portland by way of Alaska, Animal Eyes is a young (they are all in their early 20s) four-piece indie rock band with Tyler Langham on trumpet, guitar and vocals; Sam Tenhoff on accordion, keyboard and vocals; Tyler “Figley” on strings and vocals; Haven Multz Matthews on drums and Colin McArthur on bass and vocals. Their first album explored the stark difference between where they were raised and the creative world they fled to. Influenced by world music and folk, this group of musicians are touring to support 2013 five-track album URSUS, which is an eclectic mix of experimental sounds. Very melodic, lively and smooth, this EP showcases some talented musicians making use of the artful community surrounding them. Heavily influenced by Animal Collective and Menomena, they too have an sporadic, unpredictable style that incorporates touches of folk, pop, psych, rock and world music.
Wednesday, March 5, at Replay, 946 Massachusetts St., 10 p.m., $3.