Wednesday, August 9
Macklemore + Symmetry + Kublakai + Grieves + Life Cycle
"I grew up on Capitol Hill with two parents and two cars/They had a beautiful marriage, we even had a swing set in the yard." Don't laugh, y'all; that shit is the core of local rapper Macklemore. In the post-Eminem era—where white rappers are more confused about their identity than ever—it's refreshing to have someone like Macklemore be true to himself and, thus, honest with us. Chop Suey, 8 p.m. $5 All ages
Tim McGraw + Faith Hill
Just like how you wouldn't want to go to Canlis by yourself on Valentine's Day, singles would be advised to stay far, far away from McGraw and Hill's "Soul2Soul II" tour. Even less passionately marrieds could be brought to tears by Hill's "Breathe"—like the pretty couple who have it all, their cheesy music is too good-hearted to be properly made fun of. KeyArena, 305 Harrison St., 684-7202, 7:30 p.m. $60–$85 Also Thurs., Aug. 10
Peaches and Herms + Eagles of Death Metal
Six years ago, shock-electro-rocker Merrill Nisker's debut was good enough to have us asking, "What else is in the teaches of Peaches," but so far it's not amounted to much. Her latest, Impeach My Bush, is wholly concerned with the politics of fucking—no big surprise there, and no wonder they matched her and "Herms" up with the über-macho Eagles. Surely the most risqué all-ages show of the year. Showbox, 8 p.m. $17.50 adv./$20 All ages
Unnatural Helpers + Skyline Divide
This local (dare we say) supergroup reminds us why garage simplicity is key; you don't need much to make someone have a visceral reaction to your music. And though their brand of garage can be akin to the askew punk rock of the Intelligence, the Unnatural Helpers never fail to deliver melody, the other key ingredient to perfect garage rock. War Room, 9 p.m. $5
Thursday, August 10
Augustana + Luke Temple + Robert Stillman
SEE CD REVIEW [Stillman], P. 43. Crocodile Cafe, 8 p.m. $12 adv./$13 All ages
World Party + Elvis Perkins
Most bands hate being slapped with the "pop" label or talked about in terms of who their influences are. Musicians understandably loathe such cliché classifications—unless that musician is Kirk Wallinger of World Party. Says St. Louis–based mega-fan (and Riverfront Times Editor) Tom Finkel of Wallinger: "The guy ate every great rock sound that came out during his youth, particularly ravenous when it came to Beatles, Stones and Van Morrison; and then vomited back Technicolor melodies that managed to evoke all that classic stuff without being the least bit derivative—even when they were derivative. Simply put, he makes beautiful sounds." Neumo's, 8 p.m. $25
Friday, August 11
Funkgazm 2006: Altered States of Funk + Marmalade + DJ Kutz + Otha Major
Just what it sounds like, friends—a perfect chance to get all publicly hot and sweaty while you can still blame it on the weather. Altered States are continually regarded as one of the best funk outfits in town, and the Marmalade crew has held down their night at Fremont's ToST for ages. They know how to get you on, so get up! Chop Suey, 9 p.m. $8
Get Him Eat Him + Evangelicals + Model Photographer
SEE CD REVIEW [Evangelicals], P. 43. Paradox, 7:30 p.m. $7 All ages
Nickel Creek
This young, once-primarily-bluegrass trio are as notable for their eclecticism as their age—name one other bluegrass band to cover Pavement's "Spit on a Stranger"! Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N., Redmond, 206-296-4999, 7 p.m. $25–$35
Marc Seales Quintet
Marc Seales and Tula's both have been so reliably good for so long, it's easy to forget about them. How fitting, then, that there's this opportunity to refresh your memory on both fronts in one jazzy swoop. Added bonus: Tula's counts among its neighbors the Lava Lounge, Noodle Ranch, Shorty's, the Croc, and Mama's. Is there any debating that this Belltown block packs more fun per square foot than any other in the city? Tula's, 8:30 p.m. $12
South Lake Union Block Party: The Pale Pacific + Aqueduct + DJ Mamma Casserole
Another block party?? You betcha, and this one kicks surprising ass for being free. As if Napoleon Dynamite on the lawn at night's end isn't enough, before that, heartthrobs the Pale Pacific and the manic Aqueduct convene under the guidance of esteemed track-selector Mamma Casserole. Westlake Avenue and Denny Way, 5 p.m. NC All ages
Saturday, August 12
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men + Hacienda Brothers
Along with brother Phil, Dave Alvin helped kick-start the Americana scene of the early '80s with the seminal Southern California band the Blasters. Since he left the band in the mid-'80s, Alvin's career has proven to be as eclectic as it is consistent. He's played with L.A. punk legends X, penned hits for Dwight Yoakam, and even won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. His latest effort, West of the West, was released this year by Yep Roc. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $20
Drums and Tuba + Juhu Beach + In Praise of Folly
With a deceptively simple name, the N.Y.C. trio (there's actually a dude on guitars, in addition to one on drums and one on tuba) came to public attention after being championed by Ani DiFranco in the late '90s. Since then, they've released all manner of interesting amalgamations for her Righteous Babe label, fusing electronica with rock, and Afro-beat with New Orleans brass-band style. Sunset Tavern, 9 p.m. $7
