KORN + Alice In Chains/Underoath/HO99O9
Two veteran hard rock acts, Korn and Alice in Chains, come to town tonight on their co-headlining tour. Back in the '90s, the bands had much different audiences. Korn was part of the nu-metal movement that found bands like it and Limp Bizkit pairing hard rock with hip-hop. Alice in Chains, who predate Korn, was one of grunge's biggest acts before singer Layne Staley passed away. Expect both bands to play plenty of tunes from their '90s heydays. (Jeff Niesel), 7 p.m., $29.50-$99.50. Blossom.
Cap Gun Cowboys/Zombo's Record Party
The seeds of what would become this local alt-country band were planted at a Jayhawks/Freddy Jones Band concert at the Odeon Concert Club in Cleveland in October of 1997. Phil Verhoef (vocals, guitar, trombone) and Greg Yanito (vocals, guitar) had played in a few bands in the past, in high school and college and both wanted to start playing again. They began as a duo, and in the spring of 1999, the first complete lineup came together. It would play a gig at Borders Books, and its first club show came in 2001 when the group opened for Devil in a Woodpile at the Beachland. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the band has reformed to play the Beachland. Mike Devine, who gave the band its first show at Borders and currently owns a gallery in Pittsburgh, will be on hand to DJ. (Niesel) 8:30 p.m., $10. Beachland Tavern.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists/Control Top
Ted Leo has always been an emotive songwriting, flashing his heart on his sleeve and confronting the ills and celebrations of a country (and personal identity) in constant crisis. And in doing so, he's always had his band, the Pharmacists, in tow. Though he dropped his first solo outing two years ago, he's back on the road with the Pharmacists for a summer tour that brings him to the Grog Shop tonight. (Eric Sandy), 9 p.m., $17 ADV, $20 DOS. Grog Shop.
Pillärs/God Root/Silver Lights
The local hard rock band Pillärs has just released a split 12-inch LP with Akron’s Wallcreeper, and tonight’s show at the Happy Dog serves as a release party for the disc. The band is currently on tour with Philadelphia’s God Root, and that band will perform as well. The EP features a mix of extreme metal and hardcore punk. (Niesel) 9 p.m., $7. Happy Dog.
SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Judah & the Lion/Flora Cash
Last year, producers Drew Long and Daniel James holed up with Judah & the Lion at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville and cut the tracks that became Pep Talks, which came out earlier this year. Despite the somber nature of the lyrics, which address mental health issues and divorce, the album might be the band’s most uptempo effort to date. It begins with the exuberant chants of “Pep Talk,” which, with its horn section, sounds a bit like Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk.” Other highlights include the twangy “Why Did You Run?,” which is one of the first songs that front man Judah Akers wrote for the disc. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $27.50-$45. Jacobs Pavilion.
SUNDAY, AUG. 18
The Alarm/Modern English/Gene Loves Jezebel Featuring Jay Aston
Mike Peters and the members of the Alarm — featuring a three-piece version of the current lineup with guitarist James Stevenson (moonlighting on bass for the current tour in place of regular bassist Craig Adams) and drummer Steve “Smiley” Barnard — return to town tonight to play House of Blues. A couple of years ago, they played on the Vans Warped Tour and showed just well they could hang with a younger crowd. Even with only 25 minutes of stage time, Peters and the band barreled through nearly a dozen songs, some condensed, to deliver a rapid-fire overview of both the past and the present. Expect them to bring a similar energy to tonight's set. (Matt Wardlaw), 7 p.m., $27 ADV, $30 DOS. House of Blues.
Hillbilly Casino & Whiskey Daredevils
A couple of years ago, Nashville’s Hillbilly Casino opened a nationwide tour for rapper Yelawolf. Though the rockabilly band plays with a punk DIY edge that would make Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent proud, the group went over like gangbusters. Local rockers the Whiskey Daredevils will join Hillbilly Casino for tonight’s special show that includes a cowpunk BBQ. (Niesel) 7 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS. Beachland Tavern.
Reggae Sundays: Outlaws I & I (in the Supper Club)
This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series began earlier this summer and continues every Sunday through Sept. 1. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. Music Box will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series. Today, the local act Outlaws I & I will perform. (Niesel), 4 p.m., free. Music Box Supper Club.
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