Monday, June 16
Everthus The Deadbeats at The Camel
I'm not sure if it's intentional, but Everthus the Deadbeats sound like the Electric Light Orchestra. They might be that rare band who won't deny it either. If you are looking for summer melodies and pop glory, check out ETD. With Neptuna. 8 p.m. $5.
Tuesday, June 17
Phil Lesh at Innsbrook After Hours
Does anyone not know who Phil Lesh is? He played with a little known San Francisco psychedelic outfit called the Grateful Dead, maybe you heard of them. As you would expect, he is playing with his friends. 6 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 day of the show.
Wednesday, June 18
Capleton's Red Hot Summer Tour at The National
Jamaican Dancehall has always been a curious mixture of earthy rawness and sophistication, and no one symbolizes this better than Capleton. Rastafarian, dancehall star, mystic - Capleton is a hero in his native land. His songs are heavy on social justice, even while he occasionally rants against homosexuals. All these contradictions play out over a relentless beat you can't resist moving to. 9 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Ingrid Michaelson with Greg Laswell at Toad's Place
You might call this the Grey's Anatomy tour, as both singer/songwriters have had their songs on the popular TV show. Later this summer Michaelson will be opening shows for Dave Matthews. Laswell is touring behind a new CD, and will be playing for free at Plan 9 in Carytown at 1 p.m. the afternoon of the show. All ages welcome. Show starts at 8 p.m. $15 general admission.
Thursday, June 19
Gogol Bordello at Toad's Place
If the Pogues married a band of Roma gypsies and Captain Beefheart was the wedding band, you might get close to approximating the musical experience of Gogol Bordello. Not Dostoyevsky Bordello, mind you, for that would not get at the sly humor and the bawdy energy of the music. They are probably the best worst-dressed band in rock history, with Duran Duran a close second. Their live shows are wild, so come prepared to sidestep human bodies moving in highly unusual ways. Cabaret cowboy Dusty Rhodes and his band open. All ages welcome. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets $17.50 in advance, $20 day of show.
Harvey Milk at the Canal Club
Is Harvey Milk back to stay? Who knows; what's sure is that they haven't given up on pummeling you with their heavy rock cudgel. The rest of bill won't let you off easy either: RPG, Cough, and Clouds will also be appearing. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10.
Friday, June 20
Jason Isbell at Friday Cheers
Isbell broke off from the Drive by Truckers last year, but he learned a few important lessons about songwriting during his tenure with the band. He's with his band the 400 Unit. At Brown's Island, 6:30 p.m. Free.
Sarah Borges at Ashland Coffee and Tea
Boston has always had a lively roots rock/American scene and Borges is the latest breakout star. She plays catchy, rocking country and is backed by a stellar band of Bean Town veterans. Catch her now, while she's still ascending. $20 in advance; $25 at the door.
Saturday, June 21
Ted Leo and the Pharmicists at Gallery 5
What a coup for Richmond's favorite underdog venue. Leo's latest is a high energy set, recalling what the Jam or the Kinks might sound like after they had heard punk rock for the first time. He is now recording on Chicago's stalwart independent label, Touch and Go. The Max Levine Ensemble will open. 8 p.m. $10.
Hamburger James at Capital Ale House
One wonders -- what did James do with or to a meat patty to get his nickname? Better not to ask. Instead, listen to rockabilly played the way it was meant to be played, just like all those slicked-up greasers who passed through Sun Studios in Memphis way back when. This is a CD release party so bring a couple extra bucks. 9 p.m. $5 gets you in the door.
The Unknown Hinson at the Canal Club
Rock and roll has always had its share of weirdos, but surely The Unknown Hinson ranks up there. Adopting a persona reminiscent of Grandpa on the Munsters, with sideburns courtesy of a Sharpie and fangs, he plays rather straight sounding country. Make sure to request his hit, 'Torture Town,' which will certainly bring back memories of the good times. 9:30 p.m. Tickets $12 in advance, $14 at the door.
Sunday, June 22
The National at The National
America's favorite melancholy band, but this ain't no emo-shoegazing crap buddy. There's a majestic quality to their sound, which might mean that hard knocks along the way have only been glancing blows. Their last album Boxer was named best of 2007 by Paste Magazine. Hailing from Brooklyn, the National will gladly provide the soundtrack for your saddest, loneliest days and nights. Centro-matic from Denton, Texas, opens the show. 8 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
Bogart's Appreciation Night the Bogart's
Come show your love for the scrappy little bar whose backroom stage hosted so many bands over the years. RIP.