originally published January 24, 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. 23

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 Michael Franti film I Know I'm Not Alone.

HASKERS KASH

(Tasty World) Electric folk-rock group from Clarkesville, GA.

KANYE TWITTY VS. BIT MEDDLER

(Go Bar) Your deejay for the night's dancing submitted this description: "Pop garbage, happy hardcore, beardo disco, Brazilian baile funk, French house, Baltimore club, Miami bass, Italodisco, krautrock, Egyptian shumba, post-punk nonsense, jock jams… pop. Bert and Ernie on acid, in sequins. Mirth."

“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.

KIP JONES

(No Where Bar) The local acoustic singer-songwriter is known for his wide-reaching repertoire and regular-guy songwriting, and many of Jones’ own tunes sound split between the reflective acoustic territory of Harvest-era Neil Young and the country-infused rock of ‘80s-era Steve Earle. His new album is called Downright.

MARK WILMOT & WOODY GARRISON

(Foxz) Mark Wilmot and Woody Garrison both play guitar and contribute vocals in the local blues-rock band Samurai Trout; Garrison also handles keyboard duties. Tonight they perform as a duo.

“OPEN MIC NIGHT”

(DT’s) Every Tuesday.

ROYAL BLUE & THE STONE GRIFTERS

(Tasty World) Here's what the new local quartet of Jason Perkowski, Kevin Hatcher, David Rogers and Aaron Zimmer emailed us: "Narcissistic, self-indulgent frontman Royal Blue and his band of villainous, semi-competent Stone Grifters mix trailer-trash blues with eloquent pauses and brokenhearted harp solos."

SPRING CIRCUS

(Tasty World) New local five-piece band. A listen to some MySpace demos suggests slight thoughts of Dusty Springfield, although more rock-oriented and dramatic.

“TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ”

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

Wednesday, Jan. 24

ALTRUIZINE

(Flicker) The Athens trio of Rob Fluhr, Leslie Grove and Rife Thomson combines minimal percussion with synth, harmonica, mbira and a number of stringed instruments, resulting in an atmospheric, hypnotic sound that manages to be both earthy and aerial at the same time. Tonight, special guests Craig Lieske and John Fernandes join the group. 8:30 p.m.

CACHAÇA

(Farm 255) 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.

CHICAGO AFROBEAT PROJECT

(Georgia Theatre) This dynamic Chicago musicians' collective is rooted deeply in '70s funk married to traditional afrobeat, a sound that evolved out of Nigeria in the '60s and '70s. Polyrhythmic grooves, sharp horns and a little bit of electronica house all make their way into the mix.

DJ MAHOGANY

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

DJ SIZZLE

(Loft) Spinning the dance numbers every Wednesday.

GRANDCONTAINER & THE MELLAFLO

(40 Watt) With prophetic claims of sci-fi and fantasy tales, this well-humored hip hop duo from Birmingham namechecks Barbarella, elves and zombies on its new album Journey to Destroy the Doombringer Demon.

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.

THE LINDSAY RAKERS BAND

(Tasty World) Atlanta's Lindsay Rakers (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Mark Evers (lead guitar), Jeff Hall (bass) and Ron Burns (drums) recently dropped Less Asleep, a capable, country-influenced collection of Natalie Merchant-esque tunes.

“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.

SARAH PEACOCK

(Tasty World) Melodic and catchy pop-rock from this lyrical Atlanta native now relocated to Nashville.

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 SHREDDERS

(40 Watt) A local curiosity, the costume-clad guitar/drums duo The Shredders plays rough but enthusiastic covers of cartoon theme songs, particularly singling out mid-to-late-’80s nostalgia. Expect a word from your sponsors, too, as the band tosses off a handful of advertising jingles as well.

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: Nashville singer Sandra McCracken, whose easy folk-pop on her new album Gravity Love has drawn comparisons to the Beatles and Tom Petty; Don Auber, whose storytelling, Dust-Bowl travel songs and dark ballads have drawn comparisons to some of Nick Cave's favorite themes; and Scott Miller [see Box], the acoustic singer-songwriter with the new release Citation out now. Every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

VERSATILIANS

(Tasty World) 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).

THE WAZ

(The Library) No information available.

Thursday, Jan. 25

ALEX ORANGE

(Wild Wing Café) Native Savannahian and 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.

BOB HAY & THE JOLLY BEGGARS

(Melting Point) 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. This week is the band’s annual commemoration of the birthday of Scots poet Robert Burns, whose songs find their way to life courtesy of the Beggars.

TIM BRANTLEY

(Tasty World) Bon Voyage, the 2004 album from Atlanta folk-rock musician Brantley, finally gets a follow-up with the new disc The Lion of Truth.

THE BOOZE

(Tasty World) Playing bluesy, raucous rock informed equally by early ’70s rock and late ’70s punk, this Atlanta band hasn't made it up to Athens clubs in almost two years.

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.

COYOTE MUSICA

(Repent) Recent Athens transplant Mateo Nemeth performs as Coyote Afloat. The Funeral of a Funk Prince is his new self-recorded, self-created solo album, tearing through tender songs about boozy mistakes of the heart, and tonight is his first club show in town.

DJ APPLEPAUL

(Detour) Paul Wilson, AKA DJ applePaul, 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.

ECHO CANYON

(Mercury Lounge) Other-worldly, delicate, untraditional pop and rock, evolving and shifting into instrumental metal power. After a lengthy hiatus, the local trio of Jim Wilson, Chuck Bradburn and Craig Lieske play music that’s experimental and playful, dangerous and demanding. 8 p.m.

ELECTA VILLAIN

(Tasty World) This Athens-based three-piece (Justin Allmett, Ck Koch and Jay Hoots) utilizes creative percussion to fortify its piano-driven rock songs, and the band last year incorporated more and more electronic effects into its sound. Studio time has taken a priority, and the band hasn't played out since last summer.

DAVID FAIRBAIRN

(Flicker) Local musician and designer David Fairbairn (Hat Channel, ex-Michael) performs a solo set. 8:30 p.m.

FREEZE TAG

(Caledonia) Local rock quartet Freeze Tag plays it fast and fun, floating between Ben Folds and The Clash as they play energetic power-pop and upbeat, infectious rock.

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.

HEXADON

(Repent) No information available.

“INDIE ROCK KARAOKE”

(Go Bar) Every Thursday.

“KARAOKE”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Thursday.

“LIVE IN THE LOBBY”

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

MELVIN MATHURIN JAZZ TRIO

(Diverse Universe) The all-star lineup of Melvin Mathurin (alto sax), Louis Romanos (drums) and Rob Handly (bass) swings through a set of live jazz every other Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

MORNING STATE

(Caledonia) This young melodic rock band used to split its four members between Athens and Atlanta, but they're all living in Atlanta now. The band comes back through town with the debut release Retreat!!! in hand.

OLD WHITE WOMEN

(Repent) MC Audrey Hepburn (AKA Louis Weekley) and DJ Elizabeth Taylor (AKA Cubenza, AKA Matt Williams) take tongue-in-cheek stances to "dazzle the hipsters with indie hip-hop magic." They've also recently teamed up with local emcee Rorshak to deliver a wide array of incisive rhymes.

THE PENDLETONS

(Caledonia) Adam Saunders and Ben DuPriest join forces with guitarist Colin Morehead and bassist Matt Giordano to create what they call “joyous” pop rock sounds, weaving a lot of classic '50s and '60s tendencies into more muscular rock.

RORSHAK

(Repent) Politically minded, rapid-fire rhymes come via local rapper Rorshak on his grinding, unorthodox 2004 album Frankenstein Rhyme.

DANIEL SIMPSON

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

STRAWBERRY FLATS

(40 Watt) Veteran Athens musicians Wade Hester, Deane Quinter, John Keane, Scott Sanders and Tim White deliver a heavy dose of psychedelic classics from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Early show, 8 p.m.

THELONIOUS

(No Where Bar) This bunch of guys - all current or former UGA music majors - all came up from Milledgeville to play funk-fused rock.

TISHAMINGO

(40 Watt) Hard-edged, bluesy Southern rock from Athens mainstays Cameron Williams (guitar, vocals), Jess Franklin (guitar, keys, vocals), Richard Proctor (drums) and newcomer Chuck Thomas (bass). Tonight the band celebrates the release of The Point, its third full-length album. Early show, 8 p.m. See p. 26.

WILLIAM TONKS

(Flicker) Local musician William Tonks (Workhorses, Barbara Cue, etc.) performs a solo set of his songs on guitar and dobro. 8:30 p.m.

WHO’S BAD?

(Georgia Theatre) It’s a Michael Jackson tribute act, with costumes, etcetera, in an effort to recreate and personify. Featuring singer E’Casanova.

Friday, Jan. 26

BLANK FACES

(Caledonia) Vocalist-guitarist Steven Chambliss, bassist Len Dean and drummer Tim Terilli make up this local power-pop trio.

BLUE COTTON

(Wild Wing Café) No information available.

CARLA LeFEVER & THE RAYS

(Little Kings) Local rocker Carla LeFever’s got herself a band together with songwriting partner Josiah Baker (Ultra Delux, XXX Hardrive), Marv Cobb and Kenny Brawner (Common People Band). She promises some covers of AC/DC, Dio and some of her more “hard-grooving” and dancey originals in the same vein.

"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 local songwriter Bart King. 5:30–7:30 p.m. every Friday.

CONTRABAND

(Georgia Theatre) Recreating the hyper-successful video-game rock event they’re becoming known for, local math-rock band Cinemechanica performs a live soundtrack to the classic Nintendo Entertainment System game Contra as two players defeat the game in one play-through. The band will be filming tonight's performance for inclusion on an upcoming DVD release; show up and cheer, and in the future you can say you were there then.

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 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 PHLAB

(Go Bar) Local musician/ graphic designer Winston Parker jockeys tonight’s late-night dance party, mixing retro classics and current dance and rock songs.

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. Hey DJ Reb, drop us a line.

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.

JAZZ ENIGMA

(Mercury Lounge) Virgin Islands native and Athens resident Melvin Mathurin (alto-sax) completes the jazz tripod with the bass/drum combo of Carl Lindberg (double bass) and Louis Romanos (drums/percussion). The band starts up at 8 p.m.

“IT’S FRIDAY”

(WUGA, 91.7 FM) Every Friday at 4 p.m. Today’s performance: Julia Carroll.

THE JOY REQUIEM

(J.R.'s Baitshack) This Atlanta four-piece plays pop that's rockin' enough but also sensitive enough to sound like it's aimed at getting on the soundtrack for the next hit teen show on The CW.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Friday.

KRUSH GIRLS

(40 Watt) Dance numbers of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s - and today - so shake it, shake it at the dance party hosted by your ultra-popular deejay Chris Bilheimer.

MOUSER

(Georgia Theatre) Colby Carter (vocals, guitar) and his expanding gang of backing musicians play efficient and exuberant garage-pop songs that suggest a willingness to experiment.

"POMPEII"

(Safari Athens) "Pompeii" is a hip hop event featuring 16 local rappers battling each other over the winner-takes-all top prize. DJ Killacut provides the musical sounds, and you'll find emcees like Static y Mizza, Elite tha Showstoppa, Bear [see p. 32], C-Fre$h and Big John Burbon & His Entourage. Hosted by the local promoters of Mantooth Music, everything gets going around 10 p.m.

THE SAMMIES

(Tasty World) This Carolina band’s jangly, Southern punk-inspired rock has drawn comparisons to the early-’80s “Athens sound.” Self-titled album out now. Read a little more about the band's label MoRisen on p. 28.

SAMURAI TROUT

(Foxz) Local roots-rock, swamp-boogie band featuring singer-songwriters Mark Wilmot and Woody Garrison and former Dan K Theory members Tommy Jones and Bill Bokas.

SOUTHERN SOUL

(Eastwood Pub) Creating heartfelt Southern soul music, this local band - Killian Ward (guitar), Todd Standridge (guitar), Jason Booth (guitar), Chris Reed (bass), Mike Weaver (drums) and Mike Ward (vocals) - says it's "bringing soul back to the South with funky fresh originals and classic covers: come get you some."

STEPHANIE'S ID

(Farm 255) Playful pop-rock from Asheville, NC. Vocalist Stephanie Morgan's energetic live performance has been compared to Beth Gibbons, Janis Joplin and Prince.

THE SUM

(Cups Coffee) No information available. 8 p.m.

TIMBER

(Caledonia) Last year's full-length album from the local alt-country band is called Dark Heart… Lucky Hand. There've been some lineup shifts in the group recently; should be a rawer presentation of lead singer Daniel Aaron's wistful, fiery country pop.

TRIAL BY FIRE

(Tasty World) Shouty, screamy, crashy rock from the new Atlanta four-piece Trial By Fire.

TWIN POWERS

(40 Watt) Dan Geller (USSR, I Am The World Trade Center) spins danceable New Wave and Britpop tunes.

VENICE IS SINKING

(Georgia Theatre) With boy/ girl vocals, a cinematic jangle and a sweeping, emotional punch courtesy of a viola, Venice is Sinking’s piano-based torch songs burn bright. Last year, the local five-piece released its lush debut album Sorry About the Flowers.

WALCOTT

(Tasty World) This local group deftly moves from pop-rock to classic rock to broader-influenced sounds, combining Young and Floyd ideas with more comfortable, Band-type work. The band’s new EP is called Swallow the Ghost.

WE VERSUS THE SHARK

(Georgia Theatre) Local four-piece We Versus The Shark has been infusing everything with math-rock’s punkish abrasion but has been able to inject a healthy amount of hip-shakin’ funk into the act. The band has some new songs to add to those from debut album Ruin Everything!.

Saturday, Jan. 27

ABBEY ROAD LIVE!

(Georgia Theatre) Here come the sun kings! The local cover band delivers a start-to-finish performance of The Beatles’ Abbey Road and may likely toss in another full set of high-energy, mostly later-era Beatles rockers.

SEAN ARINGTON

(Farm 255) Rip-your-heart-out acoustic pop from Athenian singer-songwriter Sean Arington, formerly of bands Big Atomic and One Big Eye.

AYANNA

(Ritz) This up-and-coming pop/R&B singer hails from Atlanta, her home base for launching her sounds around the country. Incorporating hip-hop, soul and rock elements, the new album Girl Talk highlights Ayanna's pitter-pat, pillowy vocals on tracks like "Numbers in Ya Pocket" and "Ooh Wee."

"BATTLE @ THE LOUNGE"

(Caledonia) Tonight's hip-hop event features emcee battling from Athens' finest. Registration for rappers starts at 9 p.m., while the music gets going around 10 p.m. Already on the bill are the reggaeton duo Static y Mizza, local beatmaker and emcee Nobody Famous, progressive rapper Mystro

(accompanied by Son 1 and Travis Williams) and Brian Fine As Wine, an emcee with an upcoming album. The night's featured performance will be from homegrown rapper Bear, who tonight celebrates the release of his new album Ready Fo' Me [see p. 32]. DJ Bulldog Purp works the turntables and provides the night's sounds while 2 tha Mathmatikal Radikal hosts.

THE BEARFOOT HOOKERS

(Eastwood Pub) The band performs funky, good-humored country on the entertaining sophomore album Life at the Bar, and is the power behind the recently released Welcome to Athens: A Drinkin' Town With A Music Problem country drinking-song compilation.

BITCH SWITCH

(Little Kings) Mandy Jane - DJ Repramanda, local singer, sculptor and burlesque dancer - and Sandice Adina - DJ Sandelous, local heavy metal karaoke champ, ex-cheerleader and kung-fu angel - spin thick dance grooves to shake your sexy back.

BRAVE RIFLES

(Tasty World) Indie-rock quartet from Detroit. New self-titled five-song EP out now and available at the show. Upstairs.

COL. BRUCE HAMPTON & THE QUARK ALLIANCE

(Melting Point) Featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, former Jimmy Herring collaborator Jeff Caldwell, bassist Kris Dale, drummer Mark Letalien and keyboard pro Ike Stubblefield - along with the ever-present jamband possibility of some special guests - The Quark Alliance continues the jazzy, funky jam genre's fascination with blurring lines and boundaries.

CRACKJAW

(Tasty World) Giants From the Stereo is the new disc from Detroit's Crackjaw, and it's on that trendy tip of creating unisex screamo by weaving hardcore, thrashy howling into radio-friendly melodic vocals. Upstairs.

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 drops 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 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.

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. Upstairs.

GRASSFOOT

(Tasty World) Rhonda Kay (vocals), Ken Kay (guitar), Johnny Massey (drums) and Bootie Smith (bass) call Gainesville, GA, home; the band plays nimble Southern rock, easygoing and bluesy at times, hard-charging and folk-fueled at others.

CALEB GRIMES

(Amici) Macon singer-songwriter Caleb Grimes plays heartfelt acoustic pop, singing songs of hope, heartbreak and loss.

GUFF

(Tasty World) This non-stop local punk quartet’s Engine Trouble harkens back to the Lookout Records sound of about a decade-and-a-half ago, with a sense of fun amidst the noise. The band spent some time in California in 2006 working on an upcoming release. Upstairs.

HO-SE-FO'S GNOME DANCE PARTY

(DT'S) The Asheville, NC, quartet Ho-Se-Fo's Gnome Dance Party plays the songs of bandleader Joe Buzzelli, veering through eclectic influences and genres (like pop, rock, funk, reggae and folk) and leaning heavy on the improv.

TRESOR HUGO

(Ritz) The energetic Atlanta emcee puts as much thought into his stage presence as he does his nimble lyrical flow - the latter of which is at times reminiscent of Jay-Z’s. Tonight's show is a release party for his new album According to My Flow, which he also self-produced. See Box.

“KARAOKE”

(Eastwood Pub) Every Saturday.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Saturday.

“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.

THE LEMONHEADS

(40 Watt) The highly prolific (and publicized) Evan Dando was the driving force of this 1990s powerhouse until his drug-fueled collapse later that decade. After years of seclusion and a release under his own name, Dando recruited Karl Alvarez (Descendents) and Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag) to record The Lemonheads. Dando's currently touring with Vess Ruhtenberg (bass) and Devon Ashley (drums), and the trio has reportedly been turning out dozens of its garage-pop songs each night. See p. 27 for more on the band.

ROCKINWOOD

(Tasty World) Vocalist Owen Hunt, guitarist Mike "Wally" Walliser (both also of The Leavers), and drummer Nick Lacis, bassist Whit Hawkins and guitarist Danny Coulter are Rockinwood, a new Athens band playing blues-tinged Southern rock about drinking and girls.

COREY SMITH

(Classic Center) Local singer-songwriter Corey Smith released his debut album Undertones in 2003. Drawing heavily from blues and R&B, Smith exhibits an everyman persona that recalls the populist appeal of Jimmy Buffett if he were folksier and a little more country. The new album is called The Good Life, and on its strengths, Smith won the 2006 Flagpole Athens Music Award for Best Solo Singer/Songwriter. Tonight’s show is a benefit for the Children’s Miracle Network.

SOME ANIMAL

(Little Kings) "This is a new - and I hope long-term - version of the band with drums and second guitar," says local musician and bandleader Roy Coughlin, also of An Epic At Best. "[It] features Kesler Greystone of Just These Dudes and Frito Bandito from Long-Legged Woman. New songs, new clatter. Less morose? Probably not, but louder!" Performing as part of Adam Newman's comedy event tonight [more about that in the Out There section on p. 12].

BRENT STEPHENS

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

THE SUEX EFFECT

(Tasty World) 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.”

SYDYSTYK VICIOUS

(Ritz) Houston-born but currently based out of Marietta, GA, Syd Vicious got his start in the Atlanta scene under the name Tantrum the Animal. He combines crunk sounds, relying on his deep, hard-hitting vocals to deliver vaguely Northern lyricism; the new mixtape is called Hell in ATL: Operation Obliteration.

THUNDERCHIEF

(Tasty World) “We play classic rock-influenced punk, or punk-influenced classic rock,” says the band, which last year wrapped recording sessions on a debut album. “Whichever way you wanna look at it.” New vocalist recently added, reportedly moving things more towards the West Coast hardcore sound. Upstairs.

TOBACCO ROADKILL

(Wild Wing Café) Augusta musicians Jamie Jones, Patrick Blanchard and Keith Jenkins performed in their hometown recently as Tobacco Roadkill. Billed as a one-time performance, they played songs made famous by other Georgia artists, and will likely do the same here.

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).

VIETNAM

(40 Watt) The members of VietNam (the Brooklyn band, not the Atlanta/ Athens one) are heading out on tour to support their new full-length debut disc VietNam. The quartet plays cathartically gonzo blues-inflected rock that conjures thoughts of Roky Erickson, Spiritualized and Lou Reed.

THE WOULD-BE FARMERS

(Mercury Lounge) African-influenced blues and eclectic psychedelic backwoods jazz from the local group. Tonight's lineup includes vocalist-guitarist-lautist Brian Yetter (ex-Kirmani, Tesserae), percussionist Aaron Phillips (Redneck GReece Delux, Jack Logan) and saxophonist George Davidson (Acquaviva). Tonight's show features belly dancing from A'ttar. 8 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 29

THE BEARFOOT HOOKERS

(Tasty World) The band performs funky, good-humored country on the entertaining sophomore album Life at the Bar, and is the power behind the Welcome to Athens: A Drinkin' Town With A Music Problem country drinking-song compilation.

THE BOTTLE ROCKETS

(Tasty World) Missouri faves The Bottle Rockets return with another slab of bar-friendly rollin' rockers. Despite a roster shift, last year's album Zoysia feels as coherent as anything the band's put out. See p. 30.

OTIS GIBBS

(Tasty World) Indiana country artist Otis Gibbs combines unpretentious and gritty vocals with well-worn, witty lyrics; a Midwestern Billy Bragg, perhaps? The most recent disc is 2004's One Day Our Whisper.

“KARAOKE”

(Repent) Every Monday.

“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.

ED SMITH

(Aromas) Classical guitar as well as some improv work from local musician Ed Smith (Ménage a Twang, Wild Sunflowers, etc.). 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30

AMERICAN MUTT

(Tasty World) Punk four-piece from Woodstock, GA.

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 documentary Why We Fight.

COMANCHE

(Tasty World) New local rock four-piece featuring members of Hunter-Gatherer, Exit 86, Donkey Punch, Let’s Surf! and No Patriots.

ENDLESS MIKE & THE BEAGLE CLUB

(Repent) This Johnstown, PA, group centers around the indie pop-rock of Mike Miller and has, with nasal vocals and literate approach, been compared to groups like Death Cab and the Decemberists. The Husky Tenor is the new album.

IN THE LURCH

(Repent) Formerly known as Anechoic, Athens locals CJ Winger (guitar, vocals), Mark Moody (bass) and Vaughn (drums) play loud and intricate, progressive metal-influenced rock that suggests these guys have been listening to a lot of Tool lately.

“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.

KIP JONES

(No Where Bar) The local acoustic singer-songwriter is known for his wide-reaching repertoire and regular-guy songwriting, and many of Jones’ own tunes sound split between the reflective acoustic territory of Harvest-era Neil Young and the country-infused rock of ‘80s-era Steve Earle. His new album is called Downright.

LASERHEAD

(Tasty World) Noisy rock trio from Gainesville, FL, claiming influence from Swervedriver, Avail, Shellac and Sebadoh.

“LIVE FAST RULES”

(WUOG, 90.5 FM) Live and loud performance on the radio every Tuesday at 10 p.m. This week: Morioner.

“OPEN MIC NIGHT”

(DT’s) Every Tuesday.

RAT BABIES

(Repent) Heavy rock from this Athens trio that got together in early 2006. Members have previously played or currently play in the Ice Caps, Polemic and the Slut Junkies. The band will have copies of its new second three-song "mini EP" Friends Fade and Disappear.

SIR PRIZE FIGHTER

(Tasty World) Wide-ranging Gainesville, FL, four-piece combines influences from the members’ other bands - punk, hardcore, bluegrass - to try to work towards something unique.

THE SUM

(Mercury Lounge) No information available. 8 p.m.

TUALATIN

(Repent) The Atlanta trio of guitarist-vocalist Jeff Juszkiewicz (ex-Leviathan, Malevolent Creation), bassist Steven Higginbottom and drummer Hunter Cook play heavy music drawing inspiration from bands like Torche and Black Sabbath.

“TUESDAY NIGHT JAZZ”

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

Wednesday, Jan. 31

ALTRUIZINE

(Flicker) The Athens trio of Rob Fluhr, Leslie Grove and Rife Thomson combine minimal percussion with synth, harmonica, mbira and a number of stringed instruments, resulting in an atmospheric, hypnotic sound that manages to be both earthy and aerial at the same time. Tonight special guest Paul Thomas is slated to join the group. 8:30 p.m.

THE BRIDGES

(City Bar) It's a family affair for this five-piece out of Oxford, AL. The group has a clear love of late-'60s and early-'70s rock, and the harmonizing sisters/ cousins play a mellow gold kinda pop that recalls Fleetwood Mac, The Mamas & the Papas and Matthew Sweet (with whom they recently recorded a number of tunes).

CONVERGE

(40 Watt) Although the 16-year-old band has undergone seven lineup changes, the aggressive and loud music has remained consistent, calling to mind hardcore bands of a decade and a half ago. No Heroes is the new disc. See Box.

DJ SIZZLE

(Loft) Spinning the dance numbers every Wednesday.

“KARAOKE”

(Foxz) Every Wednesday.

“KARAOKE”

(Mell’s) Every Wednesday.

MASTODON

(40 Watt) Mastodon's previous record Leviathan held the extreme-metal torch high, bringing in heavy prog influences that touched on both the old and the new, the Thin Lizzy and the Meshuggah. Blood Mountain is the Atlanta band's newest, released last fall, and it's taken them from underground fandom and sparsely attended Tasty World gigs to stadium conquering and opening for Slayer.

“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.

POOLSTICK

(The Library) This Atlanta five-piece plays straightforward melodic rock but puts the vocals up front and incorporates some funky Southern guitar work to spice things up.

PRIESTESS

(40 Watt) Hello Master is the new disc from Canadian four-piece Priestess. It kicks out the jams in an old-school stadium rock way, delving into some heavy heavy but still aiming for the sky with melodic hooks in its rock-and-pump-your-fist-roll.

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.

SUN DOMINGO

(The Library) With its new album Go To Bed Grinning, Atlanta alternative rock band Sun Domingo combines rich, three-part harmonies and melodic, curious guitar arrangements.

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: Jennifer Daniels. Every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Upcoming:

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

KEVIN JACKSON (Farm 255) 2/1

KILL GORDON / POSITRAXION (Caledonia) 2/1

BAIN MATTOX (Flicker) 2/1

RAND LINES TRIO (Amici) 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 (Caledonia) 2/2

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

JAZZTRONIC (Amici) 2/2

MOUNTAIN HEART (Melting Point) 2/2

THE NOISES 10 / RED LEGS / ROULETTA (Tasty World) 2/2

SOULIVE / SNAP! (Georgia Theatre) 2/2

THE UNFORGIVEN (Eastwood Pub) 2/2

CASPER & THE COOKIES / RUSSIAN SPY CAMERA / HOW I BECAME THE BOMB (Caledonia Lounge) 2/3

FREQUENCY / LOTUS (Georgia Theatre) 2/3

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

MADELINE / NANA GRIZOL / THE GINGER ENVELOPE (40 Watt) 2/3

VENICE IS SINKING (ACC Library) 2/4

DIERKS BENTLEY / CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED (40 Watt) 2/5

VASHTI BUNYAN / VETIVER (40 Watt) 2/6

FOLKLORE (40 Watt) 2/7

OLYMPUS MANS / MANPANZEE / ONE L (Tasty World) 2/7

PEGASUSES-XL (Caledonia) 2/7

VERSATILIANS (The Library) 2/7

BARONESS / MUSIC HATES YOU / THE DUMPS (Max Canada) 2/8

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

CACHAÇA (Amici) 2/8

JUSTIN MARK CAUDILL / WESLEY COOK (Repent) 2/8

LIONZ (Roadhouse) 2/8

THE SHOW IS THE RAINBOW (Go Bar) 2/8

PHIL VASSAR (Georgia Theatre) 2/8

THE WOGGLES / GENTLEMAN JESSE & HIS MEN (40 Watt) 2/8

BITCH SWITCH (Go Bar) 2/9

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

DYLAN BLUES PROJECT (Eastwood Pub) 2/9

THE HACKENSAW BOYS (40 Watt) 2/9

IRREVERSIBLE / OF LEGEND / OVERDOSE (Caledonia) 2/9

VERSATILIANS (Little Kings) 2/9

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

PERPETUAL GROOVE (Georgia Theatre) 2/10

ED SMITH (Cups Coffee Café) 2/10

THE SUEX EFFECT (Amici) 2/10

TIGER TIGER (Little Kings) 2/10

TIN CUP PROPHETTE / MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA (40 Watt) 2/10

VAN MORRISON TRIBUTE (Melting Point) 2/10

LESLIE HELPERT (Farm 255) 2/11

JEFF SOILEAU (Borders) 2/11

AUDITION WITH MAX REINHARDT / KIMBERLY MORGAN & THE EVERLOVIN' BAND / MANDY JANE & THE JAWS OF LIFE / 8-TRACK GORILLA & THE LOVE HANDLES (Georgia Theatre) 2/13

JAMIE McLEAN BAND (Tasty World) 2/14

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

THE WAILERS (Georgia Theatre) 2/14

JASON “LEFTY” WILLIAMS (Amici) 2/14

JOE BONAMASSA (Melting Point) 2/15

RAND LINES TRIO (Amici) 2/15

SHITTY CANDY & THE CIRCUS PEANUTS / THE FRESH DRUM FINGERS / HANOMAN (Caledonia) 2/15

SISTER HAZEL (Georgia Theatre) 2/15

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

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

JONATHAN RICHMAN (40 Watt) 2/16

U-PHONIK (Wild Wing Café) 2/16

LESLIE HELPERT (Mercury Lounge) 2/17

KRUSH GIRLS (40 Watt) 2/17

SOUTHERN BITCH / MOTHER JACKSON / STILL, SMALL VOICE & THE JOYFUL NOISE (Caledonia) 2/17

VERSATILIANS (J.R.'s Baitshack) 2/17

THOMAS JACKSON (Borders) 2/18

MUSIC HATES YOU / LIONS (Tasty World) 2/19

FOLKLORE / ROBERT STILLMAN'S HORSES / TITANS OF FILTH (Caledonia) 2/20

ONE RING ZERO / THE FOLK YOUS (Flicker) 2/20

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (Georgia Theatre) 2/21

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

"RHINO 5 SHOWCASE" (Flicker) 2/21

JASON HARWELL / THE REEDS / CARY HUDSON (MELTING POINT) 2/21

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

CACHAÇA (Amici) 2/22

DEAD CONFEDERATE / MOTHER JACKSON / TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH (Caledonia) 2/22

THE EVERYONE ORCHESTRA (Georgia Theatre) 2/22

POLEMIC / DAMNESIA / RAT BABIES / THUNDERCHIEF (Repent) 2/22

THE WILDCATS (Melting Point) 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 / THE FLIP SCOLDJAH & EXCALIBRAH / THE TEETH / WHAT MADE MILWAUKEE FAMOUS (40 Watt) 2/23

HAT CHANNEL / PUSH! / WESTSIDE DAREDEVILS (Caledonia) 2/23

"BATTLE @ THE LOUNGE" (Caledonia) 2/24

BLACK LIPS / DARK MEAT / FATAL FLYING GUILLOTEENS (40 Watt) 2/24

CALEB GRIMES (Amici) 2/24

JEREMIAH CYMERMAN'S BIG EXPLOITATION (40 Watt) 2/24

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

VERSATILIANS (Little Kings) 2/24

LESLIE HELPERT (Farm 255) 2/25

THE SUM (Mercury Lounge) 2/26

63 CRAYONS / YOUNG SINCLAIRS (Caledonia) 2/28

UMPHREY’S McGEE (Georgia Theatre) 2/28

WILL KIMBROUGH (Melting Point) 2/28

CINETROPE / THE FEEDING FINGERS / IN THE LURCH (Repent) 3/1

COMMANDER CHAMELEON (Roadhouse) 3/1

CARLA LeFEVER & THE RAYS (Eastwood Pub) 3/2

RAND LINES TRIO (Amici) 3/2

THE WHIGS / THE FEATURES / WAX FANG (40 Watt) 3/2

MARVIN HAMLISCH (Classic Center) 3/3

THE HUSHPUPPIES (Melting Point) 3/3

MODERN SKIRTS (40 Watt) 3/3

ZAC BROWN BAND (Georgia Theatre) 3/3

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

CACHAÇA (Amici) 3/8

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

MARIA TAYLOR (Caledonia) 3/9

VERSATILIANS (J.R.'s Baitshack) 3/9

U-PHONIK (Wild Wing Café) 3/16

MASERATI / PRODUCTO / A.ARMADA (Caledonia) 3/17

THE WALKMEN / THE BROKEN WEST / FERRABY LIONHEART (40 Watt) 3/20

ROBYN HITCHCOCK & THE VENUS 3 (40 Watt) 3/21

JASON “LEFTY” WILLIAMS (Amici) 3/21

LIONZ (Roadhouse) 3/22

THE AVETT BROS. (Georgia Theatre) 3/23

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

WILL KIMBROUGH (Georgia Theatre) 3/23

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

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

ZOSO (Georgia Theatre) 3/28

TV ON THE RADIO / THE NOISETTES (40 Watt) 4/12

HOPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER (40 Watt) 4/13

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH (40 Watt) 4/19

JOHN SCOFIELD (Georgia Theatre) 4/19

WIDESPREAD PANIC (Classic Center) 4/23–4/25

LIONZ (Roadhouse) 4/26

SUMMERBIRDS IN THE CELLAR (40 Watt) 4/28

JOHN VANDERSLICE (40 Watt) 4/30

LIONZ (Roadhouse) 6/21

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