FRIDAY, AUG. 4
Brantley Gilbert/Black Stone Cherry/Tyler Farr
Country singer Brantley Gilbert, who issued his debut, Modern Day Prodigal Son, in 2009, came into the spotlight after country superstar Jason Aldean turned tunes such as “Dirt Road Anthem,” a song Brantley co-wrote with Colt Ford, and “My Kind of Party,” into chart topping hits. His latest album, The Devil Don't Sleep, is another solid effort as "The Weekend" features arena-filling drums and seems tailor-made for rabid sing-alongs, and the guitar riffs in songs such as “You Could be That Girl,” “Tried to Tell Ya” and “It’s About to Get Dirty” sound so gritty, they would fit on most rock albums. (Jeff Niesel) 7 p.m., $24.75-$58. Blossom.
The Drums/Ne-Hi/The Sounder Bombs
On the surface, things were going well for the New York-based guitar pop band, the Drums. They were selling loads of albums and touring the world, and frontman Jonny Pierce had become an idol for all the misfit kids who listened to bands like the Smiths or Joy Division. However, during the height of the band's success, the sharply dressed, robotic-dancing Pierce was often anxious, lacked self-confidence and had many dark secrets buried inside himself. After the departure of one original member of the band after each of their three albums and a crazy divorce, one would think Jonny Pierce would have crumbled under the spotlight or at least taken several years off. Instead of wallowing, Pierce responded by making Abysmal Thoughts, the Drums' most musically ambitious and lyrically honest and heartfelt record to date, not to mention one of the best albums of 2017. (Elizabeth Manno) 9 p.m., $16 ADV, $18 DOS. Grog Shop.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5
Goo Goo Dolls/Phillip Phillips
Alt-rockers Goo Goo Dolls didn’t always have such a radio friendly sound. When the band first formed in Buffalo in 1986, its music sounded harsher, perhaps reflecting the city band members called home. Eventually, the band would embrace a more melodic sound and go to sell truckloads of albums in the '90s when it delivered radio 14 Top 10 radio hits, including "Name," "Slide" and "Iris." Its latest effort, Boxes, finds the band collaborating a bit more on the songwriting. Featuring Rzeznik’s raspy vocals and a subdued guitar riff that sounds a bit like something the Edge might play, the first track, “Over and Over,” includes the phrase “turn it up” in the refrain, setting the tone for the disc, which puts an emphasis on uptempo songs rather than ballads. Expect that to be the case at tonight's show too. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $22.50-$59.50. Jacobs Pavilion.
The Retro Futura Tour with Howard Jones/English Beat/Modern English/Men Without Hats/Katrina
Katrina Leskanich, of Katrina and the Waves fame said she had an “absolute blast” playing her first American shows in more than 25 years during the 2014 run of Retro Futura. She's back on this year's tour along with soulful British vocalist Paul Young, who's playing his first shows in America in more than two decades. Retro Futura also features headliner Howard Jones, plus Modern English, Men Without Hats and English Beat round out the bill. (Matt Wardlaw) 8 p.m., $52.50-$59.50. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6
Ray Flanagan & the Authorities Euclid Tavern Residency
Ever since Ray Flanagan & the Authorities launched in late 2012, the group has emerged as one of the better indie acts on the local circuit. Starting tonight, the group will perform on the first Sunday of each month at the Euclid Tavern. Flanagan says he plans to hit the road a fair amount starting next year and thinks the Euclid Tavern might serve as a good home base. He'll play from 7 to 10 tonight so expect to hear a good range of material. (Niesel), 7 p.m., free. The Euclid Tavern.
Jehova Waitresses
When it comes to long trips, Jehova Waitresses have been hung up in a heckuva lot of traffic on the musical turnpike to deliver Route 5, their first album in over two decades which is available now on CDBaby and all digital platforms. “Mercy Marie,” the first single, is one that’s already been getting some notice — the video for the track recently snagged three nominations for the forthcoming 2017 Austin Revolution Film Festival, including the Music Video and LGBTQ Film categories. They will celebrate the release with tonight's reunion show. (Matt Wardlaw) 8 p.m. Brothers Lounge.
Worriers/Vacula/House of Wills
A true touring band’s band, Worries have been making a fine name for themselves on the pop punk and melodic punk circuits. Their 2015 album, Imaginary Life, is still the backbone of their material, featuring fast-paced and full-throttle riffs that decorate emotionally aware lyrics. Songs like “Parts” may not stretch much farther than the two-and-a-half minute mark, but songwriter Lauren Denitzio packs a full story into that tight package. Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace produced the album, and that’ll give you a sense of the esteem in which this young band is held by pioneers of the melodic punk scene. (Sandy), 8 p.m., $8. Now That's Class.
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