Ear On TV: Week of August 6

I'm on vacation this week and it seems many live performers are as well, as the calendar looks spotty at best. One listing that stands out, though, is Gogol Bordello, who are performing on The Henry Rollins Show (my 'go to' program for this column, it seems.) Led by Ukrainian-born frontman Eugene Hütz, Gogol Bordello are a mix of gypsy, punk and cabaret, which is a combination that begs to be seen as well as heard, and you can add their latest album (Super Taranta!) to the number of provocative releases from the band.

Hütz isn't just a musician, though, as he also has a regular DJ gig at NYC's Mehanata, and has acted in feature films. You may remember him from his authentic performance as the hip-hop loving teen Ukrainian translator Alex in the film Everything is Illuminated, but he's also supposedly signed on to act in Madonna's directorial debut, Filth and Wisdom, a film about gypsy punk music. Before you start thinking of Shanghai Surprise and Swept Away, just know that the material girl is not going to be acting in the film. Whew!

Monday, August 6
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Mims
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: The Bravery (REPEAT)
Tuesday, August 7
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Modest Mouse
SYNDICATION: The Ellen Degeneres Show: Kanye West
Wednesday, August 8
NBC: Late Night With Conan O'Brien: Teddy Thompson
Thursday, August 9
zzzzzzz
Friday, August 10
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: El-P
IFC: The Henry Rollins Show: Gogol Bordello
Saturday, August 11

NBC: Saturday Night Live: Beck (REPEAT)
PBS: Austin City Limits: Sufjan Stevens, Calexico w/ Iron & Wine (REPEAT)

tags: music, television, soundtrack, talk shows, gogol bordello, eugene hutz, henry rollins, indie rock, rhapsody