For most of us, being a renowned artist with a seminal monograph in our back pocket, a highly anticipated follow-up on the way, and multiple solo exhibitions lined up on both coasts would consume most of our creative talent. But not so for Chris Verene, who tours the West Coast next week with his band, Cordero. Supporting their newest album on Bloodshot Records, De donde eres, Cordero brings the funk to the following spots:

Seattle’s Sunset Tavern (5433 Ballard Ave.), Wednesday, November 19

San Francisco’s Hemlock Tavern (w/Viking Moses, 1131 Polk St.), Thursday Nov 20

Los Angeles’ On the Rox (w/CAVA, 9009 Sunset Blvd.), Friday November 21

As for Cordero’s sound, The New York Times says, “Mixing the open atmospherics of the Southwest with the gritty feel of the Brooklyn art scene, the bilingual Ani Cordero–who has worked with Calexico and Giant Sand–and her band make guitar rock that gives urban brashness some borderland mystery.”

Those longing for Verene’s photographic styling as much as his drumwork have a few options: Love, Love, Love, at New York’s Martos Gallery through December 6, features work by Verene, alongside other romanitcs such as Nan Goldin, Noboyushi Araki and Larry Clark. And QPCA is very pleased to exhibit The Story of Crystal and Amber, an original and moving extended portrait of two of Verene’s most compelling subjects, from March 5-May 2, 2009. Until then, catch Cordero in concert and say hello to that wildly talented drummer.