originally published January 10, 2007

Deadline to be listed in the next issue: Monday by 11 a.m. Contact the music department: 706-549-9523, ext. 203; fax to 706-548-8981; email at abc@flagpole.com; send post to P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

BLACKTUSK

(Tasty World) This Savannah trio’s debut EP When Kingdoms Fall, produced by Kylesa’s Philip Cope, offers a concise blast of thrashy, riff-packed metal.

CRAIG LIESKE & PABLO D. WILDER

(Flicker) Local improv guitarist Craig Lieske (Garbage Island, Desk Pussy) teams up with Austin, TX guitarist Pablo D. Wilder of the band Hotel, Hotel. "We've discovered our mutual love of off-beat textures," says Lieske, "and we'll be inventing a few of those on the spot at the Flicker show." Expect dense dissonance, open ambience, creative drone and more. 8:30 p.m.

THE DUMPS

(Tasty World) With Daniel Ray (Let’s Surf, Exit 86) on guitar/ vocals, Jeff Rapier (Donkey Punch) on bass/ vocals, Andy Hollingsworth (Choptop) on guitar and Jason Richardson (Donkey Punch, Exit 86) on drums, The Dumps deliver angular metal licks with lots of dual screaming over slow heavy grooves.

“KARAOKE”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Tuesday, 9 p.m.

“KARAOKE”

(Walker’s Pub) Every Tuesday, 10 p.m.

“KARAOKE”

(Wild Wing Café) Every Tuesday, 10 p.m.

“LIVE IN THE LOBBY”

(WUOG, 90.5 FM) Every Thursday at 8 p.m. Tonight’s local-band performance: Allison Weiss.

“OPEN MIC NIGHT”

(DT’s) Every Tuesday.

RASTA BLANCA

(J.R.'s Baitshack) Reggae covers and originals.

SKELETONWITCH

(Tasty World) Retro-sounding in the heaviest of ways, Ohio’s Skeletonwitch plays tattooed and hairy ’80s metal that calls to mind bands like Overkill and Mercyful Fate with even a bit of Sabbath or Testament.

“TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ”

(Farm 255) Every Tuesday, 7–10 p.m., the downtown restaurant features jazz from a revolving cast of regulars.

JASON “LEFTY” WILLIAMS

(Georgia Bar) One-armed Atlanta guitarist Jason “Lefty” Williams at age 11 fashioned a pick to fit on what his website likes to call “his nubb,” and since he’s been turning out electrified rock, delving into funk, country and jazz covers and originals, either solo or with a backing band. Big Plans is the debut album out now.

ZOSO

(Georgia Theatre) Expect typical Led Zeppelin covers as well as a trip into relative Zep obscurity during the California band’s two sets.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

THE DEACON BRANDON REEVES

(Farm 255) It’s acoustic folk, blues and soulful singer-songwritery stuff from this Gainesville, GA, musician. The Deacon’s new album on online-only label Lost Cat Records is One of These Days. See a review of the album on p. 27.

DEAD STICK LANDING

(Georgia Theatre) Formerly known as the Fall Line Trio, this local funk-rock band has changed bassists and changed names. John Parrott (guitar, vocals), Todd Headley (drums, vocals) and new guy Greg Surratt (bass, vocals) have been recording recently, and claim influences like Frank Zappa, 311, Soundgarden, Umphrey's McGee and Ween.

DJ MAHOGANY

(Detour) Dirty funk, deep disco, solid soul - it's a cornucopia of classics from the '60s, '70s and '80s that DJ Mahogany provides.

DJ SIZZLE

(Loft) Spinning the dance numbers every Wednesday.

GROOVE STAIN

(Georgia Theatre) This alternative rock septet out of the ATL plays frenzied, groove-filled, hard rockin’ originals incorporating blasts of brass.

JOSH TAYLOR BAND

(Wild Wing Café) Formerly known as Blackwater, this power trio is made up of Josh Taylor on guitar, Jack Hitchens on drums and Derek McTavish on bass. Look for original music influenced by Cream, Hendrix, Vaughan.

“KARAOKE”

(Foxz) Every Wednesday.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Wednesday.

“KARAOKE”

(Stan’s Bar & Grill) Every Wednesday.

KILROY

(Tasty World) Vocalist-guitarist Mike Perkins, vocalist-guitarist Keven Gilbert, bassist Shannon Rupp and drummer Brent Grimes started out drawing influences from countryish folk-rock groups like The Band and early Wilco, but have recently delved into louder garagey sounds on the album The Violent Jolt of the Capitol.

LIQUID JUNGLE

(Georgia Theatre) Twin brothers Josh (bass, lead vocals) and Graham Yoder (lead guitar, backing vocals) joined up with Scott Keener (drums) and Andres Miller (guitar, backing vocals) to get their funky jam thing going, drawing on Zappa, P-Funk and the Chili Peppers.

“OPEN JAM”

(DT’s) Bring your instrument and join in. For more information, call 706-208-1474.

PETTICOAT, PETTICOAT

(Tasty World) The core of Petticoat, Petticoat is the duo of Dickie Haydon (guitar, harmonica, keys, vocals) and Kristin Messina (vocals, harmonica), and on the new album Every Mother's Child they deliver a shimmery, melodic and to-the-point type of indie-pop that at times recalls the mood, if not always the sounds, of '60s folk.

PRIME TIME JAZZ

(Porterhouse) Drummer Tony McCutchen, bassist Chris Enghauser and pianist Jim McKillip perform jazz standards for the dinner-and-a-drink set every Wednesday.

THE SCOURGE OF THE SEA

(Tasty World) Make Me Armored is the new disc from Kentucky's The Scourge of the Sea. Hook-heavy and melody-driven, the pop songs are polished, refreshing and charming, sounding a little like The Softies. The live shows reportedly feature a nice amount of vocal harmonizing, too.

TWIN POWERS

(Go Bar) Danceable New Wave and Britpop tunes. 10 p.m., every Wednesday.

"UNCORKED & UNPLUGGED"

(Melting Point) Every week, local singer-songwriter Ken Will Morton opens and hosts this new series, which aims to focus on artists proficient in the craft of songwriting. This week: Atlanta's acoustic pop songwriter Paul Reeves sings tracks off the recently released album Invitation; Gary Pfaff, who fronts Atlanta rock band Obsession Day and has his solo debut album White Stars out this week, delivers a set; respected West Texas musician and longtime Jerry Jeff Walker collaborator Bob Livingston [see p. 24] performs. Every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11

A NEW EFFECT

(40 Watt) Fourth- or fifth-generation "hard rock" instruments are on order from Atlanta's A New Effect, but the smoother, higher-pitched and more melodic vocals offer a deviation from the "intense" rocker dude norm.

ACLARION

(40 Watt) Anthemic rock from Atlanta four-piece Aclarion, a band dipping into similar "alternative" waters as Stone Temple Pilots, Nickelback and such.

AEGIS OF ATHENA

(Repent) Thundering monster-voiced doom metal from this young group of guys. The hardcore band formerly went by the name Tristan & Isolde, but a couple of members have been trimmed and some new songs were written, and there so… new name! A new album's in the works as well.

ALEX ORANGE

(Wild Wing Café) The native Savannah acoustic guitarist-harmonicist Nathan Sheppard has long been a fixture on the regional folksy singer-songwriter scene; Alex Orange, named after a song on Sheppard's 2001 album Traveling On, is the new full band.

ANY GIVEN MOMENT

(40 Watt) Sounding a little like modern-rock radio bands like Thrice, Norma Jean and As Cities Burned, this Atlanta five-piece released its self-titled EP of hard-hitting, faith-based rock in December.

CACHAÇA

(Amici) Playing Brazilian-styled music, this new band features Jake Mowrer (nylon-stringed guitar) and Jim Coley (upright bass) of Hot Club of Athens and Kane Stanley and Ryan Wendel of Grogus, among other groups, on percussion. Every other Thursday.

DARK ASYLUM

(Repent) Black metal/ death metal fusion five-piece from Atlanta.

DJ APPLEPAUL

(Detour) Paul Wilson, AKA DJ applePaul, spins takes up the reins at the new downtown club, spinning circuit and club house mixed in with quirky dance songs and some hot hip hop remixes. Every Thursday.

DJ RIX

(Loft) Championing dance favorites every Thursday.

DUELING PIANO GUYS

(The Library) Raucous dueling pianos from Atlanta guys Mark Kovaly and Cliff Holcomb. Expect some Ray Charles, Elton John and Billy Joel, as well as a variety of other tunes from the duo's wide repertoire. Every Thursday, 11 p.m.

TINO GARRIDO

(Farm 255) The frontman for Orquesta Grogus will play two sets tonight, focusing on classical guitar music from Venezuela and traditional songs from Cuba and Venezuela (for guitar and voice). Playing a dinner set, 8–10:30 p.m.

GOLDEN EMPEROR

(Repent) The local three-piece plays metal, to put it simply, but the band also reaches into psychedelic and prog rock as well as more ambient sounds to round out its stoner sound.

GREEDY WHITE CITIZENS

(40 Watt) This Atlanta band says it’s “a no bullshit, in-your-face and loud hard rock band… with a bone-crushing songlist powered by the cutting-edge structure of guitar licks.” The guys recently celebrated the release of the debut album Stereotype.

HAMELIN

(Georgia Theatre) Alabama four-piece Hamelin plays soulful, smooth rock music. There’s a lot to like for fans of melodic bands like Counting Crows, Collective Soul and Dave Matthews. The debut album is called Paintings on the Wall.

“KARAOKE”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Thursday.

“KARAOKE”

(Stan’s Bar & Grill) Every Thursday.

KILLICK

(Repent) The Solponticello Records headman formerly known as Erik Hinds whips out the H’arpeggione - a unique instrument created specifically to his specifications - to perform his original compositions, improvisations and perhaps pieces off his rendition of Slayer’s metal classic Reign in Blood.

LUNA HALO

(Tasty World) This Nashville four-piece is currently on the road offering a preview of its self-titled debut album, out in January on American Recordings. The band claims influences like Nirvana, the Clash and Muse.

MELVIN MATHURIN JAZZ TRIO

(Diverse Universe) The all-star lineup of Melvin Mathurin (alto sax), Louis Romanos (drums) and Rob Handly (bass) swing through a set of live jazz every other Thursday, 8 p.m.

MIDNIGHT ROYALS

(Tasty World) No information available.

MISFORTUNE 500

(Tasty World) Hook-heavy, mid-tempo local rock with a strong melodic backing and an enthusiastic stage show. Self-titled debut EP out now.

NATE NELSON & CORTRIGHT

(Georgia Theatre) This young local singer-songwriter is already an old pro at these soulful acoustic gigs, and Nelson’s songs are crowd-pleasing and easily accessible. Last year's EP is A Sing-Song Fashion, and he's been branching out recently, contributing piano and guitar skills to several bands in town. Cortright is his backing band of drummer Dave Forker, lead guitarist and keyboard player Chris Gleason and a rotating bassist slot.

THE ONES

(Flicker) The folk-influenced dream-rockers in The Ones center around the duo of Sara-J Ursrey and Michael Linhardt. Tonight the new full-band incarnation of The Ones takes the stage, with Alliene Bouchard, Andrea Ivy Waterstone and Kie Cochran. 8:30 p.m.

STEREO CAMPBELL

(Flicker) Claire and Page Campbell, both of Hope For Agoldensummer and Dark Meat, perform as a duo tonight. Expect Hope songs, cover songs and the sisters' other songs, a lot of folk-blues, some gospel and charming handclap percussion. 8:30 p.m.

VINYL STRANGERS

(Georgia Theatre) These scene vets - guitarist-vocalist Joe Guerzo, new bassist Tim Adams, guitarist-vocalist Reid Howland and drummer Ian Werden - released their new band’s self-titled debut album last June, and it’s a classic-sounding pop rock record reminiscent of early Beatles and Byrds.

Friday, Jan. 12

ADAMS TOWNSHIP

(Farm 255) Heavy grooves and jazz-funk fusion from Atlanta’s Adams Township, a four-piece group dedicated to exploring boundaries and indulging eclectic influences.

ALL THE SAINTS

(Go Bar) Grinding out distortion-heavy psychedelia that’s anchored by bluesy, Zepp-style riffage, this ATL trio pulls sounds from a number of classic rock bands of the ’70s.

BELLYACHE

(Caledonia) Austin Darnell and his brother Caleb play country and blues originals with harmony vocals, backed by acoustic guitar, upright bass and singing saw. The Athens duo’s debut EP is called Porkchops & Milkshakes. Tonight's show is part of an event hosted by Farte Barn and Superfluous Umlaut Records. An art sale and free presentation will start at 6 p.m., followed by live tattooing during the later music.

BEYOND TOMORROW

(Tasty World) Athens quartet Patrick Hoydar (vocals, guitar), Steve Gagnier (guitar), Phil Goodwin (drums) and Alec Wooden (bass) play pop-savvy emo-rock songs pretty much guaranteed to weaken girls’ knees. The debut album is the self-titled full-length disc Beyond Tomorrow.

"COMMITTEE OF VIGILANCE"

(Little Kings) "Committee of Vigilance" is a musical happening put on by local songwriters Christopher Henderson, Jason Beckham and Spencer Frye. A weekly event for folks to stop by after work, have a drink and listen to these songwriters in the round with occasional special guests, like this week's percussionist Wilson Smith. 5:30–7:30 p.m. every Friday.

ALLISON CORNELL

(Mercury Lounge) Pretty Colored Lights, the new album from New York performer Allison Cornell. It’s light and jazzy pop, and Cornell’s unforced voice proves why she’s worked with top names from Cyndi Lauper to Angelo Badalamente to Branford Marsalis to Ronnie Spector.

CHRISTOPHER'S LIVER

(Caledonia) Christopher Ingham (ex-Heroic Livers, Colostomy Bag) and Laura Swindall play acoustic folk-punk tailor made for the DIY house-show crowd. Tonight's show is part of an event hosted by Farte Barn and Superfluous Umlaut Records. An art sale and free presentation will start at 6 p.m., followed by live tattooing during the later music.

COUNT

(40 Watt) Local musician Count Kellam, who recently moved to Atlanta, conjures thoughts of Jeff Buckley, Fiona Apple and Roy Orbison. He's backed by Jeff Rieter (hey, revolution!, Baghouse) on bass, Jay Murphy (Up Until Now, Bling the Children Back Home) on drums, Billy Rhoton (Lake City, Grand Fury) on keys and Dan Nettles (Kenosha Kid) on lead guitar. Expect some new still-under-construction songs. Athens Canine Rescue benefit show.

CRUMBLING ARCHES

(Tasty World) Theatrical, over-the-top melodic rock from Atlanta’s four-piece Crumbling Arches. Best feature? A capable rhythm section makes up for predictable “rock” vocals. Full-length album out soon.

DJ BLAZE

(The Library) DJ Blaze, who has held down the wheels of steel at The Annex and last summer's "Classic City Hip-Hop," hosts tonight's dance party, mixing contemporary hip hop with older favorites and some unexpected forays into other genres.

DJ BOBBY C

(Loft) Local deejay Bobby Casille drop tonight’s dance tunes for your feet and your ass.

DJ MARK BELL

(8e’s) Starting at midnight every Friday and Saturday, local deejay Mark Bell focuses on the dancier sounds of 20 years ago.

DJ REB

(Detour) No information on whether this is the DJ Reb out of Biloxi, the DJ Reb out of Houston or some other deejay.

DJRX

(Rumor) Deejay Brian Gonzalez, AKA DJRX, delivers many of his own remixes, and dance selections will be mainly current (Fergie, Gorillaz, Gwen Stefani, etc.).

DJ TOMMY SALMON

(Repent) Local bassist Tommy Salmon (The High Caliber, ex-Trinket) takes over the bar's speakers as he selects the evening’s music. Every Friday and Saturday.

LESLIE HELPERT

(40 Watt) Local singer-songwriter Leslie Helpert has kept quiet as of late, but when she does pop up she inhabits each and every one of her songs to the fullest. Helpert’s most recent album is Radishes & Cupcakes, and tonight she performs on electric guitar backed by Neal Fountain and Jeff Reilly as part of the Athens Canine Rescue benefit show.

HILLSIDE MANOR

(Tasty World) Emotional rock from Marietta, centering around acoustic guitar, romantic lyrics and piano balladry.

HOLMAN AUTRY BAND

(DT’s) These six guys from Danielsville play flavorful country and Southern rock, nodding towards Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Dave Matthews Band and Marshall Tucker Band. Covers and originals.

“IT’S FRIDAY”

(WUGA, 91.7 FM) Every Friday at 4 p.m. Today’s performance: The Ghosts Project.

"JAM PARTY FOR JIMMY DORTMUNDT"

(Little Kings) Local guitarist, mandolin and banjo player, drummer and keyboardist Jimmy Dortmundt (of '80s band Men In Trees) several months ago injured his back; some friends are throwing a benefit concert/ jam session to raise money for their good buddy JD. Brief sets from groovy rock trio Scary Garcia and hard-rock groups Carla LeFever & the Rays and Barking Charlie break up the evening. "Bring your axes and sticks," says LeFever, "there will be open jams before, in between and after the bands' short sets. Amps, a PA and drums will be provided." A $5 or $10 donation is suggested, with all money going to Dortmundt. 9 p.m.

JAZZTRONIC

(Amici) Local guys Howard B. Stroud, Petr Sevcik, Leon Campbell and Luke Powell make up Jazztronic, playing freaky, funky, psychedelic fusion jazz. 11 p.m.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Friday.

KILL GORDON

(Go Bar) Atlanta songwriter and former guitarist for The Booze, Kyle Gordon, claims The Microphones, My Bloody Valentine, Air and Beck as musical influences. Now backed by bassist Cyrus Shahmir and drummer Daniel Brett, the trio has its first energetic and self-titled full-length out now. See p. 25.

MAMA’S LOVE

(Georgia Theatre) This new local funk/ jam six-piece plays original tunes but also covers “the classic songs that have shaped and inspired their musical growth.” Formerly known as Funkward Bound.

MARINO

(DT's) Light, funk-flavored rock from this local band.

MILLHOUSE

(Tasty World) Charleston, SC, quartet Millhouse jams out some acoustic pop, offering up a bunch of folk instruments (mandolins, congas, cellos) without being a straight-up folk band and creating stuff that bridges the lighter sounds of both Zeppelin and Panic. Tales of Woe & Yay is the name of last year's release, the band's second.

PAPER TANKS

(Caledonia) The one song posted on this new local band's MySpace page hints at spacious, atmospheric and moody soundscapes punctuated by acoustic guitar and open vocals. Tonight's show is part of an event hosted by Farte Barn and Superfluous Umlaut Records. An art sale and free presentation will start at 6 p.m., followed by live tattooing during the later music.

DUSTY RHODES

(J.R.’s Baitshack) Acoustic covers and originals.

RHYTHM TOKEN

(Georgia Theatre) Rhythmic backbeats support this local jam act intent on perfecting music made for tokin’. Together for four years, Adam Strong (guitar, vocals), Tyler Lathem (bass), Will Begnaud (drums), J.P. Hester (guitar) and John Ashley Reese (percussion) sling out expected covers as well as some funky originals.

ROLLIN' HOME

(Eastwood Pub) This jamming band plays originals with a Grateful Dead kind of groove.

SABO & THE SCORCHERS

(Wild Wing Café) Hailing from Augusta, Jayson Sabo (vocals, guitar), Michael Baideme (guitar), Brooks Andrews (bass) and Russell Jarrett (drums) play bluesy, ’70s-influenced hard rock drawing on the Allmans, the Doors and Stevie Ray.

63 CRAYONS

(Caledonia) The local band’s jumpy, erratic, enthusiastic keyboard pop fits right in while carving its own niche. The Spread the Love EP and Good People full-length, both released in 2004, are full of harmonious chiming and caffeinated psychedelia. The band hasn’t poked its head out much this year due to some injuries and time spent recording the upcoming new album Spoils for Survivors. Get your preview on tonight. Tonight's show is part of an event hosted by Farte Barn and Superfluous Umlaut Records. An art sale and free presentation will start at 6 p.m., followed by live tattooing during the later music.

SOVUS RADIO

(Go Bar) Psychedelic Atlanta four-piece Sovus Radio can weave airy, multi-tracked vocal lines through enchanting instruments, or they can rock it out with dissonant yowls and fiery guitars. On an imaginary rock map, you could spell Sovus by plotting out and connecting the Zombies, They Might Be Giants and Flaming Lips points.

SUMMER HYMNS

(40 Watt) Zachary Gresham, Philip Brown, Chris Riser and Bryan Nuse play psychedelic-tinged Neil Young-y pop-rock that hinges more on simple chord progressions and vocal melodies, and if you’re a fan of the Flaming Lips, you’ll find much to like about ’em as well. The killer new album is called Backward Masks. Tonight’s a Athens Canine Rescue benefit show.

Saturday, Jan. 13

BAND MARINO

(40 Watt) Please don't confuse Band Marino with the band Marino, also playing tonight at DT's Downunder. Band Marino is a five-piece from Florida that recently released the album The Sea & The Beast, an unexpectedly layered, buoyant and intriguing collection of indie rock.

CARS CAN BE BLUE

(Caledonia) The indie-pop duo of Becky Brooks and Nate Mitchell has a witty, peppy, supercute (and kinda dirrrty) album out on local label Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records, and it’s called All the Stuff We Do.

DEAR AND GLORIOUS PHYSICIAN

(40 Watt) Two brothers and two sisters from Florida play garage rock touching on late '70s and early '90s sounds. Self-titled album recently reissued by New Granada Records.

“DISCO NIGHT”

(Stan’s Bar & Grill) The house deejay is in charge of bringing you R&B dance numbers, with a healthy dose of old-school disco.

DJ BLAZE

(The Library) DJ Blaze, who has held down the wheels of steel at The Annex and last summer's "Classic City Hip-Hop," hosts tonight's dance party, mixing contemporary hip hop with older favorites and some unexpected forays into other genres.

DJ CODY NATION

(Detour) DJ Cody Nation is an Atlanta-based deejay spinning new worldwide dance tracks, from Nelly Furtado to Justin Timberlake, from Offer Nissim to Amuka.

DJ JOHNNY D

(Loft) One of The Loft Lounge’s rotating crew of house deejays, Johnny D lays down the new dance sounds.

DJ MARK BELL

(8e’s) Starting at midnight every Friday and Saturday, local deejay Mark Bell focuses on the dancier sounds of 20 years ago.

DJ TOMMY SALMON

(Repent) Local bassist Tommy Salmon (The High Caliber, ex-Trinket) takes over the bar's speakers as he selects the evening’s music. Every Friday and Saturday.

DJRX

(Rumor) Deejay Brian Gonzalez, AKA DJRX, delivers many of his own remixes, and dance selections will be mainly current (Fergie, Gorillaz, Gwen Stefani, etc.).

DJ STRAWBERRY JULIUS

(Little Kings) DJ Strawberry Julius, AKA local poet Jeff Fallis, plays "rocking, sweating, jiving, rollicking music from the '50s and '60s, including but not limited to early rock and roll, early soul and R&B, girl groups, garage, British Invasion and wild-ass psychedelia."

KENOSHA KID

(Mercury Lounge) Tonight the trio format of Dan Nettles' band expands to include Rich Iannucci on Hammond organ and continues to lay out its own brand of neo-free-jazz-with-composed-sections. Also with Nettles on guitar, Neal Fountain on bass and Jeff Reilly on drums. 8 p.m.

E.G. KIGHT

(Melting Point) Macon guitarist-vocalist E.G. Kight performs a folksy, commercial blues infused with adult-contemporary soulfulness. Her latest album is called Takin’ It Easy.

“KARAOKE”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Saturday.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Saturday.

THE LAST WALTZ TRIBUTE ENSEMBLE

(Georgia Theatre) Atlanta-based all-star ensemble, featuring members of the Georgia Satellites, Houndog and the Sundogs, covers songs by The Band. See Box.

“LATE NITE DISCO”

(Go Bar) The house deejay spins a cool mix of disco, New Wave and modern dance tunes for a sweaty and energetic crowd. Every Saturday, 10 p.m.

LAURA REED & DEEP POCKET

(Farm 255) Polyrhythmic grooves and slinky, smoky R&B make up the bulk of the offerings of Laura Reed & Deep Pocket. Guitarist-vocalist Reed, born in South Africa and living in Boone, NC, has a peppy delivery that has drawn comparisons to Erykah Badu, and her band - Ryan Burnz (keys), Ben Didelot (bass) and Barrett Helms (drums) - is tight and funky.

MARINO

(DT's) Light, funk-flavored rock from this local band.

MODERN SKIRTS

(40 Watt) This piano-driven local pop group’s firm grasp of melody is its strongest suit, and the four guys in the Skirts have gone a long way to charm Athens. The debut full-length is Catalogue of Generous Men, a harmony-soaked collection of pop numbers that bridges the Beatles and Ben Folds.

RUSSIAN SPY CAMERA

(Caledonia) Russian Spy Camera is the poppy musical creation of Ryan White (guitar/ vocals) and Andy Turner (drums/ vocals), who recently recruited musician McGregor Button, drawing in influences from rock, hip hop and electronic music. The quirky, debut album You Are A Vulture was released last year.

“SALSA NIGHT”

(Tasty World) Latin dancing hosted by local promoters Chamo Events. 9:30 p.m.

THE SUEX EFFECT

(Amici) The trio of guitarist-vocalist Ricky Barrett, drummer Jonathan Daniels and bassist Miles Karp describes itself as an “original utility-rock power trio blending psychedelic sounds from funk, rock, blues and reggae.” See p. 28.

SUMMER GEORGE

(Wild Wing Café) No information available.

THE VELCRO STARS

(Caledonia) The Velcro Stars take a tried-and-true approach to solid pop rock in the mid-'90s indie camp, with catchy numbers that recall the straightforward tunes of the Rock*A*Teens, Blake Babies and Superchunk, although at times the Tennessee five-piece can be more daring than any of those groups. The name of the brand-new album is Hiroshima's Revenge, and tonight's show celebrates its release.

VERSATILIANS

(DT's) Versatilians hail from Monroe and bring a scattershot collection of original songs ranging from the acoustic folk-rock to dirty blues-rock and working in covers of folks like the Stones, Pink Floyd and Tom Petty (and even former Athenian Jennifer Nettles).

Sunday, Jan. 14

BOB HAY & THE JOLLY BEGGARS

(ACC Library) With Bob Hay on banjo, Dave Dowless on guitar, Diana Torrell bowing the fiddle, Bill David mandolining and Ken Starratt on bass, this local batch of talent lays down the old-tyme folk/bluegrass, drawing from Scots poet Robert Burns. The troupe has its sophomore album Tam Lin, And More Songs By Robert Burns out now. Free show, 3 p.m.

“DISCO NIGHT”

(Stan’s Bar & Grill) The house deejay is in charge of bringing you R&B dance numbers, with a healthy dose of old-school disco.

Monday, Jan. 15

DYLAN BLUES PROJECT

(Tasty World) Guitarist/vocalist Avery Gibbs recently moved to Athens from Virginia, recruited bassist Joe Hammond and drummer Brian Crum and set out to deliver Texas-style blues and Southern rockin’ blues, playing covers and Stevie Ray-styled originals.

“KARAOKE”

(Repent) Every Monday.

“KARAOKE”

(Stan’s Bar & Grill) Every Monday.

NAUTILUS

(Tasty World) The band features James Feeney on drums, Andrew Haynes on bass, and Chris Keesecker on keyboards/synth; they play covers and original songs inspired by hip hop, jazz and electronic music.

“OPEN MIC NIGHT”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Monday.

JENA PARADIES

(Go Bar) Jena Paradies delivers exquisite mixes of the freshest in Berliner techno, electro-house and subsonic soul laced with hooks so sharp they could draw blood. 10:30 p.m., Mondays.

SPEED OF LIFE

(Tasty World) Working within the mainstream rock genre but testing its edges, New York’s expansive Speed of Life incorporates varying styles into a rich and atmospheric sound.

Tuesday, Jan. 16

AIRSPACE

(Tasty World) Hailing dually from Belfast, Northern Ireland and North Carolina, the quartet Airspace channels melodic rock that'll turn the ear of those who dig Travis, Muse, Spoon and even Bends-era Radiohead. The new self-titled, seven-song release was recorded this past August at Memphis's renowned Ardent Studios with producer John Hampton (R.E.M, Raconteurs, The Replacements).

AZ-IZ

(Georgia Theatre) AZ-IZ is shorthand for Adrian Zelski's InFinite Zero; the Dubconscious frontman uses laptops and a KAOSS pad to provide "an atmosphere for both dancing and good conversation," says Zelski. "Music will include styles such as dub, downtempo, reggae, afrobeat, funk and Latin selections." Following tonight's screening of the Al Gore film An Inconvenient Truth.

BRETT DENNEN

(Melting Point) California's Brett Dennen plays an eloquent and intricate type of acoustic pop, putting his strong vocal phrasing up front on the sophomore album So Much More. It's the sort of thing that's been charming the fans of John Mayer (Dennen opened up on Mayer's last tour), and should do the same for those keen on Josh Rouse, Jack Johnson and Paul Simon.

FACT NOT FICTION

(Tasty World) Hailing from Hartwell up by the South Carolina border, Fact Not Fiction - Zeke Sayer, Jon Bryant, Justin Vickery and Adam Grant - play pleasant, unassumingly mellow and laid-back indie rock. The band's debut album Conversations with Eyes Closed was released last year.

“KARAOKE”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Tuesday, 9 p.m.

“KARAOKE”

(Walker’s Pub) Every Tuesday, 10 p.m.

“KARAOKE”

(Wild Wing Café) Every Tuesday, 10 p.m.

“LIVE IN THE LOBBY”

(WUOG, 90.5 FM) Every Thursday at 8 p.m. Tonight’s local-band performance: The Cherokee.

“OPEN MIC NIGHT”

(DT’s) Every Tuesday.

JOHN PRINGLE

(Melting Point) Solo countryish, folkish singer/songwriter out of Atlanta. His 2005 album Strange Points of View calls to mind dudes like M. Ward and Ryan Adams.

“TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ”

(Farm 255) Every Tuesday from 7-10 p.m., the downtown restaurant features jazz from a revolving cast of regulars.

ALLISON WEISS

(Tasty World) Allison Weiss set up shop in Athens in 2005 and dove into the open-mic scene, delivering catchy, emotion-driven acoustic guitar songs which pull from both mid-'90s ladyrock and more recent acoustic emo like Dashboard Confessional. Tonight's a show in celebration of her debut release An Eight Song Tribute to Feeling Bad & Feeling Better; see a review on p. 27. Upstairs, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 17

DJ SIZZLE

(Loft) Spinning the dance numbers every Wednesday.

BRANTLEY GILBERT

(Georgia Theatre) Acoustic covers and originals from this Jefferson country-rock songwriter. His debut album The Modern Day Prodigal Son was released last year.

“KARAOKE”

(Foxz) Every Wednesday.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Wednesday.

“KARAOKE”

(Stan’s Bar & Grill) Every Wednesday.

KINGRAT

(Tasty World) Decatur’s KingRat plays instrumental dub and reggae, heavy on the trippy, reverb-heavy stuff. The five-piece cites Lee “Scratch” Perry as an influence, and although less experimental than that guru, injects the atmospheric tunes with heavy funk and boppy ska.

MOTHER EARTH & SUN

(Tasty World) Snellville, GA’s George Buchanan (vocals), Doug Epstein (guitar), Ray Bivens (bass) and Allen Bell (drums) mix “rock, blues and progressive sounds.”

“OPEN JAM”

(DT’s) This is a new thing the club’s trying out; you just bring your instrument and join in. For more information, call 706-208-1474.

PRIME TIME JAZZ

(Porterhouse) Drummer Tony McCutchen, bassist Chris Enghauser and pianist Jim McKillip perform jazz standards for the dinner-and-a-drink set every Wednesday.

RED WORLD, GREEN WORLD

(Tasty World) New local band featuring Micah Hudson, Blake Floyd, Dan Dudley and Jackie Robbins, playing melodic rock with folk, jazz and blues influences. Formerly known as With The Sun.

JEFF SOILEAU

(Farm 255) Athens musician Jeff Soileau (pronounced “swallow”) performs New Age finger-style acoustic guitar, drawing from influences Michael Hedges and Phil Keaggy.

TWIN POWERS

(Go Bar) Danceable New Wave and Britpop tunes. 10 p.m., every Wednesday.

“UNCORKED & UNPLUGGED”

(Melting Point) Every week local singer/songwriter Ken Will Morton opens and hosts this new series, which aims to focus on artists skilled in the craft of songwriting. This week: the enchanting Tin Cup Prophette songwriter Amanda Kapousouz reps Athens, California’s Kyler England sings plush, acoustic songs and heavy-touring vocalist Sam Shaber delivers her intimate, entertaining pop tunes between deft banter. Every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Upcoming:

ADAM PAYNE BAND (No Where Bar) 1/18

ALEX ORANGE (Boar's Head) 1/18

AMERICAN MUTT / POLEMIC / SUBRIG DESTROYER (Repent) 1/18

BIG GRAY / TITANS OF FILTH / PRETTY AND NICE (Caledonia) 1/18

THE HELP / TIMBER / MIKEY DWYER & THE STARTER KITS (40 Watt) 1/18

TINO GARRIDO (Farm 255) 1/18

PAUL McHUGH / PATRICK CAREY (Flicker) 1/18

PACKWAY HANDLE BAND / DON CHAMBERS + GOAT (Georgia Theatre) 1/18

PASSAFIRE (Wild Wing Café) 1/18

RAND LINES TRIO (Amici) 1/18

TWP (Diverse Universe) 1/18

“ATHENS 441” W/ TRES CHICAS / KING OF PRUSSIA (Morton Theatre) 1/19

CAMERA OBSCURA / M COAST (40 Watt) 1/19

DROMEDARY ACOUSTIC QUARTET (Melting Point) 1/19

KINCHAFOONEE COWBOYS (Georgia Theatre) 1/19

WAMPUS CAT SCAMMERS (Eastwood Pub) 1/19

WELTERWEIGHT (Caledonia) 1/19

RAT BABIES / BIRD FLU / 696 (Repent) 1/20

DEERHUNTER / THE SELMANAIRES / PSYCHIC HEARTS (40 Watt) 1/20

DODD FERRELLE & THE TINFOIL STARS / THE OLD CEREMONY (Caledonia) 1/20

THE ERIC DODD BAND (Tasty World) 1/20

FIVE EIGHT (Melting Point) 1/20

MOONSHINE STILL / THE BRIDGE / PNUMA TRIO (Georgia Theatre) 1/20

WRINKLE NECK MULES (Flicker) 1/20

WHY MAKE CLOCKS / COY KING / ADAM KLEIN (Tasty World) 1/22

HASKERS KASH / ROYAL BLUE & THE STONE GRIFTERS / SPRING CIRCUS (Tasty World) 1/23

CACHAÇA (Farm 255) 1/24

CHICAGO AFROBEAT PROJECT (Georgia Theatre) 1/24

GRANDCONTAINER & THE MELLAFLO / THE SHREDDERS (40 Watt) 1/24

SANDRA McCRACKEN / SCOTT MILLER (Melting Point) 1/24

BOB HAY & THE JOLLY BEGGARS (Melting Point) 1/25

TIM BRANTLEY (Tasty World) 1/25

CACHAÇA (Amici) 1/25

TINO GARRIDO (Farm 255) 1/25

MELVIN MATHURIN JAZZ TRIO (Diverse Universe) 1/25

MORNING STATE / THE PENDLETONS (Caledonia) 1/25

RORSHAK / COYOTE MUSICA / HEXADON (Repent) 1/25

TISHAMINGO (40 Watt) 1/25

WILLIAM TONKS / DAVID FAIRBAIRN (Flicker) 1/25

WHO’S BAD? (Georgia Theatre) 1/25

ELITE THA SHOWSTOPPA / BIG JOHN BURBON / STATIC Y MIZZA / C-FRE$H / DJ KILLACUT (Safari Athens) 1/26

CONTRABAND / WE VERSUS THE SHARK / VENICE IS SINKING / MOUSER (Georgia Theatre) 1/26

DEAD CONFEDERATE / TRIAL BY FIRE / WALCOTT (Tasty World) 1/26

SOUTHERN SOUL (Eastwood Pub) 1/26

KRUSH GIRLS (40 Watt) 1/26

ABBEY ROAD LIVE! (Georgia Theatre) 1/27

BEAR (Caledonia) 1/27

COL. BRUCE HAMPTON & THE QUARK ALLIANCE (Melting Point) 1/27

CALEB GRIMES (Amici) 1/27

HO-SE-FO'S GNOME DANCE PARTY (DT'S) 1/27

THE LEMONHEADS (40 Watt) 1/27

ROCKINWOOD / GRASSFOOT / THE SUEX EFFECT (Tasty World) 1/27

COREY SMITH (Classic Center) 1/27

SOME ANIMAL (Little Kings) 1/27

TRESOR HUGO (Ritz) 1/27

THE BOTTLE ROCKETS (Tasty World) 1/29

COMANCHE / SIR PRIZE FIGHTER (Tasty World) 1/30

ENDLESS MIKE & THE BEAGLE CLUB / IN THE LURCH / RAT BABIES (Repent) 1/30

MASTODON / PRIESTESS / CONVERGE (40 Watt) 1/31

RAT BABIES / TUALATIN (Repent) 1/31

SUN DOMINGO / POOLSTICK (The Library) 1/31

RICK BRANTLEY / RENEGADE SOUND SYSTEM / FRANCISCO VIDAL (Tasty World) 2/1

BAIN MATTOX (Flicker) 2/1

STEEP CANYON RANGERS / 16 TONS (Georgia Theatre) 2/1

“ATHENS 441” w/SCOURGE OF THE SEA (Morton Theatre) 2/2

COMMANDER CHAMELEON / THE SHUT-UPS / LA CHANSONS (Caledonia) 2/2

THE DEXATEENS / DEAD CONFEDERATE / WHEELS ON FIRE (40 Watt) 2/2

JAZZTRONIC (Amici) 2/2

MOUNTAIN HEART (Melting Point) 2/2

SOULIVE / SNAP! (Georgia Theatre) 2/2

CASPER & THE COOKIES / HOW I BECAME THE BOMB / BABY CALENDAR (Caledonia Lounge) 2/3

THE GOURDS / DAVID CHILDERS & THE MODERN DON JUANS (Melting Point) 2/3

LOTUS / COOLIO CRACKA (Georgia Theatre) 2/3

VASHTI BUNYAN / VETIVER (40 Watt) 2/6

BARONESS (Max Canada) 2/8

MIEKA PAULEY / CHAD PERRONE / THE BENJI DAVIS PROJECT (Tasty World) 2/8

PHIL VASSAR (Georgia Theatre) 2/8

THE WOGGLES (40 Watt) 2/8

HACKENSAW BOYS (40 Watt) 2/9

DUBCONSCIOUS / BLING THE CHILDREN BACK HOME (Georgia Theatre) 2/9

OF LEGEND (Caledonia) 2/9

MUSIC HATES YOU / ZOROASTER / CHRISTINE (Caledonia) 2/10

PERPETUAL GROOVE (Georgia Theatre) 2/10

THE SUEX EFFECT (Amici) 2/10

TIN CUP PROPHETTE (40 Watt) 2/10

KEVIN DEVINE & THE GODDAMN BAND / JENNIFER O'CONNOR / KOUFAX (40 Watt) 2/14

LIQUID JUNGLE (Georgia Theatre) 2/14

JASON “LEFTY” WILLIAMS (Amici) 2/14

JOE BONAMASSA (Melting Point) 2/15

VERTIGO JONES (Georgia Theatre) 2/15

“ATHENS 441” w/PAPERCRANES (Morton Theatre) 2/16

MILLHILL (Tasty World) 2/16

JONATHAN RICHMAN (40 Watt) 2/16

RISING APPALACHIA / MOIRA SMILEY & VOCO (Melting Point) 2/16

KRUSH GIRLS (40 Watt) 2/17

MOTHER JACKSON (Caledonia) 2/17

LIONZ (Tasty World) 2/19

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (Georgia Theatre) 2/21

DEERHOOF / BUSDRIVER / HARLEM SHAKES (40 Watt) 2/21

AGAINST ME! / RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS / FAKE PROBLEMS (40 Watt) 2/22

THE EVERYONE ORCHESTRA (Georgia Theatre) 2/22

C-FRE$H / BEAR / BIG JOHN BURBON & HIS ENTOURAGE / NOBODY FAMOUS (Tasty World Upstairs) 2/23

DAVE MATTHEWS COVER BAND / NELO / SAM THACKER (Georgia Theatre) 2/23

DR. DOG (40 Watt) 2/23

PUSH! / WESTSIDE DAREDEVILS (Caledonia) 2/23

BLACK LIPS / DARK MEAT / JEREMIAH CYMERMAN'S BIG EXPLOITATION (40 Watt) 2/24

SQUAT / TOMMY SOMERVILLE / TREY WRIGHT TRIO / CARL LINDBERG & FRIENDS (Melting Point) 2/24

UMPHREY’S McGEE (Georgia Theatre) 2/28

COMMANDER CHAMELEON (Roadhouse) 3/1

THE WHIGS (40 Watt) 3/2

MARVIN HAMLISCH (Classic Center) 3/3

MODERN SKIRTS (40 Watt) 3/3

SPARTA / ALOHA / MEWITHOUTYOU (40 Watt) 3/5

ISIS / JESU / TORCHE (40 Watt) 3/8

MADELINE (TBA) 3/14

THE WALKMEN (40 Watt) 3/20

JASON “LEFTY” WILLIAMS (Amici) 3/21

THE AVETT BROTHERS / WILL KIMBROUGH (Georgia Theatre) 3/23

CARTEL / COBRA STARSHIP / BOYS LIKE GIRLS / PERMANENT ME (40 Watt) 3/23

JORMA KAUKONEN / BARRY MITTERHOFF (Melting Point) 3/24

OF MONTREAL / LONELY, DEAR (40 Watt) 3/24

TV ON THE RADIO (40 Watt) 4/12

HOPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER (40 Watt) 4/13

JOHN SCOFIELD (Georgia Theatre) 4/19

JOHN VANDERSLICE (40 Watt) 4/30

LEO KOTTKE & THE TURTLE ISLAND STRING QUARTET (UGA) 12/7