Sept. 30 Brave Combo New Lift Lounge, 4727 S. 96th St. 5:30 p.m., $12, 339.7170, brave.com/bo/ The thing is, most people don’t realize Brave Combo is a big deal. This for-lack-of-a-better-term polka band has been around since 1979. Hailing from Denton, Texas — a Dallas satellite with a much better music scene than you probably realize — the quintet’s released more than 30 albums and toured the world many times. They have two Grammy Awards (plus seven nominations). Plus, they were the house band at former Talking Heads’ front man David Byrne’s wedding, selected by Byrne. Talk about clout; this is the type of high profile show the people behind the New Lift Lounge have been springing on us out of the blue for years — Chaka Khan at Bar Fly or Bright Eyes at Murphy’s, anyone? The point is this is a show that’s accordion-tuned to perfection. Although arguably a touch cheeky at times, the group ever-perfects its signature pop/polka/zydeco/salsa/cumbia/meringue/conjunto/whatever blend. In essence, Brave Combo is a music nerd’s wet dream. Giggity.
