FRIDAY, JULY 22
All Them Witches
When Nashville-based psychedelic rockers All Them Witches set out to record their first album, Our Mother Electricity, they did so with little in terms of funding. Even by indie rock standards, the sessions were a low budget affair. But along with sophomore effort Lightning at the Door, the album created enough of a buzz that the group inked a deal with New West Records, a prominent indie imprint. The group doesn’t tone things down on its latest effort, last year’s Dying Surfer Meets His Maker, which commences with the somber “Call Me Star,” a tune that with its whispered vocals and tempered guitars sounds like the quieter side of Led Zeppelin. (Jeff Niesel) 9 p.m., $12. Grog Shop.
Helen Welch
Since moving to Cleveland a few years back, British jazz singer Helen Welch has slowly built a loyal following of jazz enthusiasts. Tonight, she brings her Beatles tribute to the Alma Theater. She plans to perform popular Beatles tracks such as “Yesterday,” “Here There and Everywhere” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” She'll also put a jazzy spin on tunes like “Can’t Buy Me Love” “When I’m 64” “Norwegian Wood," “Ticket to Ride” and “Hard Day’s Night.” Pianist Joe Leaman, bassist Bryan Thomas and drummer Anthony Tadeo will join her for the performance. (Niesel), 7 p.m., $18-$21. Cain Park.
SATURDAY, JULY 23
Jane's Addiction
Very few alternative/indie bands survived the ’80s (and then the ‘90s) intact. Three survivors – Jane’s Addiction, Dinosaur Jr. and Living Colour — have teamed up to play five shows this month, including a stop here at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. Each act has experienced its ups and downs but after breaking up and subsequently reforming, the bands have embarked on yet another phase of their careers. 7:30 p.m., $37.50-$64.50. Jacobs Pavilion.
The Paper Kites
On their latest album of laid-back, contemplative folk rock, the Paper Kites maintain a moody grip on their bright guitars and gentle percussion. It’s a nice collection of tunes, one that works as an accent to both Sunday morning coffee and Friday night trips down the freeway. “Bleed Confusion” and “I’m Lying to You Cause I’m Lost” are two of the better cuts here, each casting entrancing messages across light melody. The album’s title, twelvefour, is a reference to the hours between midnight and 4 a.m., the nightly creative peak for artists, as frontman Sam Bentley says. “If I could sum up the album it’s about what happens when selfishness and love collide,” he told Rolling Stone. (Eric Sandy), 8:30 p.m., $13. Beachland Ballroom.
SUNDAY, JULY 24
Bloc Party
While the British rock act Bloc Party hasn’t entirely lived up to expectations after coming out of the gates so strong with its acclaimed 2005 debut Silent Alarm, that apparently hasn’t stopped it from putting on a killer live show. With an arsenal of blinding lights that could have filled an arena, Bloc Party played some 20 songs in an engaging 90-minute set it delivered two years ago at House of Blues that showed its music is still relevant and vibrant. Expect a similar performance tonight. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $30. House of Blues.
The Last Shadow Puppets
A group featuring Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) and Miles Kane (The Rascals), the Last Shadow Puppets recently released their second album Everything You've Come To Expect. The long-awaited follow up to 2008’s The Age of the Understatement, the album features swirling cinematic pop (“Aviation”) and atmospheric pop (“Dracula Teeth”). The group effectively channels Bowie with the soaring “Miracle Aligner” and the ornate title track. The gorgeous string arrangements really distinguish the songs here. We’re guessing the guys don’t have an orchestra in tow but tonight’s show still has plenty of appeal (Niesel), 7:30 p.m., $29.50 ADV $35 DOS. The Agora Theatre.
Rick Springfield
It was back in May of 1993 that singer-guitarist Rick Springfield made his first Cleveland appearance in a long time at the Great American Rib Cook-Off. The gig was part of a summer’s worth of dates that would be a test run for Springfield who hadn’t toured in a number of years after a motorcycle accident sidelined his plans to tour for his 1988 Rock of Life album. That test run gave fans a chance to see Springfield play some rare club gigs and the shows sold out. Springfield quickly found that the fans were still there. Nearly 25 years later, he’s still coming around to Cleveland on a regular basis. (Matt Wardlaw), 7 p.m., $25-$75. Cain Park.
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