FRIDAY, JUNE 30
Pokey LaFarge/Hackensaw Boys
While his latest album, Manic Revelations, sort of moves away from the American roots music that flourished on his previous work, Pokey LaFarge still brings a good dose of that old-time charm to his songwriting. Often bedecked in pinstripe suit and finely coiffed side part, LaFarge leads his anachronistic band through a great set whenever he comes to town. This is fun and bright music, and you can tell that new tunes like “Riot in the Streets” will give his show an even more danceable quality, if that’s what you’re looking for. (Eric Sandy), 8:30 p.m., $20 ADV, $22 DOS. Beachland Tavern.
Johnny La Rock/Furface/J. Buckner/Actual Trains
A couple of years ago, Furface (MIDI controllers) and Johnny La Rock (samplers, turntables), who both played in the local hip-hop outfit Presque Vu, focused on solo projects before reconvening to form Johnny La Rock & Furface with Ottawa guitarist Will Hooper. The band creates moody electronic music that recalls '90s era DJ Shadow. Tonight's show serves as a release party for his latest single, "Blue Away," a dance tune that recalls the synth pop of the late '80s and early '90s (think Haddaway's "What is Love"). (Jeff Niesel), 9 p.m., $5. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
All is Harvest EP Release/Thick Kevin/C-Level/Leaf Borbie
The local band All is Harvest celebrates the release of their new three-song release, Fake News Blues, with tonight’s show. As its title implies,the songs address the preponderance of fake news. Mixing folk-y vocals with alternative rock guitars, the band has changed its sound on this release. The band formed in 2014 and released their first full length album, Journey Llama. It presents a folk, acoustic sound. All is Harvest could be categorized in different sub-genres but has stayed true to its rock roots. (Daniela Cacho), 8:30 p.m., $5. The Euclid Tavern.
(Sandy) Alex G/Japanese Breakfast/Cende
For almost a decade now, (Sandy) Alex G has regularly released new material. Originally, he started off playing acoustic but has since added electric instruments. In 2013 his musical style changed, and he adopted an indie-pop sound for Joy, changing his name from Alex G to (Sandy) Alex G in the process. With 2015’s Rules, he added drums, guitar and piano to the mix. With his most recent album, Proud, he opts for a more upbeat approach. (Cacho), 8 p.m., $14 ADV, $17 DOS. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
The Total Package Tour with New Kids on the Block/Boyz II Men/Paula Abdul
One of the earlier boy bands, New Kids on the Block return for their Total Package tour featuring Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul. With the recent release of their EP Thankful, NKOTB have been able to remain relevant as the sound of pop, R&B and soul is still in sync as all five members harmonize into an easy-listening vibe. Despite their break-up in 1994, NKOTB finally reunited almost 14 years later as they announced new material and tour was to come. Fast-forward nine years and NKOTB, who recently issued an EP, are still touring, bringing alongside Paula Abdul, her first tour in over 20 years. (Adrian Leuthauser), 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$99.50. Quicken Loans Arena.
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Ledges Release Show/'80s Night with Corey Kilgannon/BADBADBADBADBAD
For tonight's release show, the Akron band Ledges decided to adopt an '80s theme because "that's the era that inspired the aesthetic" of its new album, The band encourages patrons to wear '80s outfits; after the set, they'll DJ an '80s dance party. Jittery tunes such as "Allright" have a retro-leaning vibe to them and recall like-minded acts such as Cold War Kids and Young the Giant. The group recorded the album, which won't be available on digital platforms until later in the summer, at Nashville's Ocean Way Studios, the same studio used by acts such as Bright Eyes and Kings of Leon. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $10. Musica.
Mister Moon/By Light We Loom/Punch Drunk Tagalongs
A self-described "eclectic alternative rock outfit," the local band Mister Moon celebrates the release of its new EP, Point One, with tonight's show at CODA. The disc opens with the droning "Waste," an atmospheric tune that features hushed vocals. The Alt-J-like "Peer" benefits from perky synths and rattling percussion. Consisting of two drummers, two keyboardists and two guitars, the band plays sonically lush melodies. (Niesel), 8 p.m. CODA.
ODDISEE & GOOD COMPNY – BENEATH THE SURFACE TOUR featuring OLIVIER ST. LOUIS Muamin Collective, Case Barge
Oddisee is one of the better, more soulful rappers on the underground scene these days, and his work with Good Compny has been gathering a hot reputation for a while now. He dropped his latest album, The Iceberg, not too long ago, and once again he brings listeners on a multifaceted jazz odyssey through the better elements of hip-hop (linguistic creativity, social critique, innovative beats). Check out “Digging Deep,” which traverses angular time signature terrain and a colorful spectrum of instruments in the song’s simple call-to-action chorus. Don’t miss this one. (Sandy), 9 p.m., $15 ADV, $18 DOS. Grog Shop.
The Sonder Bombs Release Show/Sweepyheads/The Venus Flytraps/Skuff Mixup
The local band's new three-song EP shows off the group's indie pop sensibilities as songs like "Doubts" and "End of My Daze" feature fuzzy guitars and infectious harmonies. The band recorded the EP itself at the apartment that Willow and Lo Fi share. You might hear some new songs at tonight's release party; the band has written a handful of new songs and plans to record a full-length as the followup to the EP. (Niesel) 7 p.m., $8. Mahall's 20 Lanes.
U2/One Republic
When U2 released The Joshua Tree back in 1987, Rolling Stone proclaimed, “The title befits a record that concerns itself with resilience in the face of utter social and political desolation…The Joshua Tree is an appropriate response to these times, and a picture bleaker than any U2 has ever painted: a vision of blasted hopes, pointless violence and anguish… Music of great sadness but also of unutterable compassion, acceptance and calm.” To celebrate the album's anniversary, U2 will play the album in its entirety. The tour marks U2's return to stadiums for the first time since 2009-2011’s U2 360° Tour, reportedly the most successful tour in history; it was seen by over 7.3 million fans worldwide. (Niesel), 7 p.m. First Energy Stadium.
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Jared & The Mill/Canyon Spells/Oldboy
Jared Kolesar and Michael Carter have played music together since they were kids growing up in Phoenix. Kolesar grew up listening to folk and classic country but was inspired to perform after seeing Elton John and Billy Joel perform together. In 2011, after he hosted an impromptu jam session with another musical duo, Josh Morrin and Larry Gast III, Jared & the Mill was born. In 2013, the band issued its debut, Western Expansion. The twangy album has much in common with acts such as Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers. 7:30 p.m., $12 ADV, $15 DOS. Beachland Tavern.
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