The last time I saw Ballards beloved MC Grynch was in January, shortly after his sophomore album My Second Wind dropped. Slouched and hung-over at the Hurricane Cafe, he sipped on OJ and shared his grand plan to pursue music full-time after graduating from Pacific Lutheran University. And unlike the countless college kids with similar dreams, Grynch (aka John Overlie) has actually succeeded thus far. Following a slew of favorable reviews for My Second Wind and his live shows, he went on to open for Nas at the Showbox. Hell also perform at Bumbershoot this Labor Day and is already back in the studio, recording tracks for a new EP that will be available for free download by years end. Easy Street Records, 20 Mercer St., 691-3279, www.buymusichere.net. $5. 21 and over. 9:30 p.m. ERIKA HOBART
Sat., Aug. 8, 9:30 p.m., 2009
