Fun show tonight for those of you brave enough to take the PATH train. I've already seen and written about both the debauched theatrics of the Giraffes and the cracked funk of Dragons of Zynth this week, but a chance to see them together is too much to pass up. Especially with the absolutely sublime harmonium / bass / drum power-trio of Brooklyn's Beat the Devil as an opener. Once again, another bill you'll be talking about for a long long time, if you go.

Maxwell's, in tony uptown Hoboken, is where this all goes down. I'm usually good for about 4 Maxwell's shows a year. Each time I go, I invariably end up with someone who is making their maiden voyage to Maxwell's, and in many cases to Hoboken. This may now include you, dear reader, so here's some handy tips to making the most of your trip, to this or any Maxwell's show.

TRAVEL: If you got a couple of extra bucks to throw around, and you find yourself close to the water, take the Ferry! What a posh way to kick off an evening of rock. That said, you won't be able to *return* on the ferry, as they close up shop pretty early. So, whatever you do, grab a PATH schedule. Because there is no bigger buzzkill than sitting in a too-warm, dilapidated subway station for a half hour. The local cab to and from the ferry / train station to Maxwell's is only around 4 bucks. Hard to resist.

GRUB: Sitter-downers are encouraged to take a red-checkered table at Arthur's Steakhouse, on Washington Avenue (the main street en route to Maxwell's), for a bigger steak than you can eat at an almost uncomfortably low price. The flavor of old School Jersey. Or stop by Benny Tudino's, further up Washington, for the state's largest slice. Pretty freakin' big, and tasty. Maxwell's has fine food as well, if you are cabbing it straight there. Vegetarian? Better just wait until the same bill hits Brooklyn.

INDIGENOUS CULTURES: Sure, everyone there looks kind of not-quite right, kind of non-rock, considering the purpose with which you've traveled to Hoboken. Be prepared for lots of light blue shirts, khakis, man sandals and Yankee games loudly emitting from every TV in every bar. But, really you have nothing to fear. After all, unlike the LES, people in Hoboken know they're yuppies.

MAXWELL'S: A great place to see a show, but very oddly laid out - - and bring ear plugs. The trick is to worm your way from the entrance, through the crowd parallel to the stage, to the bleacher along the far wall, where you can stand comfortably and view the band clearly. You'll be right next to a PA speaker, but you can handle it, right? Between bands, seemingly everyone rushes for beer, so this is your best chance.

Well, that's it. Have a great time at tonight's or any Maxwell's show, and support your local rock bands. I promise to wait at least two (2) weeks before talking about the Giraffes or Dragons of Zynth again.

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The Giraffes: | Beat the Devil: