Wednesday, August 3GoldieOne of the first megacelebrities of Britain’s homegrown jungle/drum and bass scene, Metalheadz label founder Goldie is pretty much a badass. 1995’s Timeless remains part of d’n’b 101, though tonight’s set may reveal whether he’s looking forward or stuck in the past. With MC Armanni and Kid Hops. Chop Suey, 8 p.m. $10/21 +, $13/All-AgesPatty GriffinBest known to mainstream country fans as the writer of the Dixie Chicks’ “Top of the World,” Griffin’s own version is on last year’s Impossible Dream (ATO), which has enraptured her fervent, growing cult. Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St., 206-615-0076, 5 p.m. $19Richard BucknerOne of the most critically acclaimed singer-songwriters around, Buckner is touring (again) behind his newest, Dents and Shells (Merge), issued last October. Anders Parker and Tim Easton open. Tractor Tavern, 9 p.m. $12Teenage FanclubAs their sincere, Big Star–style power pop broke around the same time as (and was somewhat eclipsed by) grunge, one wonders if the band ever received the recognition worthy of their name. Tonight they’re supporting their first album in three years, with the Rosebuds. Neumo’s, 8 p.m. $15 adv./$17Youthcare Drive: Hot Hot Heat + Eisley + World Leader PretendLocally based Youthcare estimates that 8,400 hygiene packs are given each year to the homeless, with much of their contents generated from shows like this one. So bring along a toothbrush or pair of socks and think of the kids while enjoying Eisley and World Leader Pretend, though they probably wouldn’t envy you the headliner. Showbox, 8 p.m. $15 adv/$17Thursday, August 4Blue MerleSo low-key as to be almost inaudible, this Nashville band’s Dave Matthews–isms sound less overtly jammy than relaxed. Too relaxed. Kyle Riabko and Matt Kearney open.Crocodile Cafe, 7 p.m. $12Nikka Costa”Tries too hard,” said dismissively, is the general consensus about this R&B singer, though she’s made a couple of decent hits. Unfortunately, none of them is on the new Can’tneverdidnothin’ (Virgin), whose title tries pretty damn hard itself. Chop Suey, 8 p.m. $16Terence BlanchardThe much-loved trumpeter plays as part of a sextet on this stand, backed by saxophonist Brice Winston, guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke, pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Kendrick Scott. Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $23.50 Also Fri., Aug. 5–Sun., Aug. 7Saturday, August 6Brandi CarlileThe local singer-songwriter whose new, self-titled album (her third overall) just came out on Columbia celebrates with an official CD release party. Tom Brosseau opens. Showbox, 8 p.m. $15Mark FarinaA rave among the ‘animal attractions,’ this unusually venued dance event (“Magnetic”) will go on till 4 a.m. and, in addition to the mushroom-jazzy house of the headliner, will also include Carlos Mendoza, Human Blue, Mr. Supreme, Spektra, Johnny Love, Ramiro, Jeromy Nail, Osiris Indriya, Anamita, DjML, and lots of learning. Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., 206-443-2001, 9 p.m. $15Original FeverIf you dig KEXP’s Saturday morning Positive Vibrations show, a new monthly hosted by its DJ, Kid Hops, features dancehall, reggae, and rock steady flavors and will be the spot to hit this warm summer night. Re-Bar, 10 p.m. $3The Fading Collection (CD release)Appearing with Mercir and Climber, electronica band TFC present their newest work, Supertron, whose sound isn’t quite that big on plastic but just might be live. High Dive, 10 p.m. $7Fascination Street + Black Celebration + Love VigilantesTempting as it is to call them cover bands, the Cure, Depeche Mode, and New Order faithful that channel the songs and the fans who attend these spectacles would probably pop you one—it’s a tribute, man. Chop Suey, 9 p.m. $8Middle East Peace Camp + Ahlam + Zeryab Ensemble + Arab American Rap Hour + Al-Sharq Ensemble of ChicagoThe musical portion of the three-day Arab Festival begins on Saturday with traditional choral groups and classical Arab music book-ending Syrian rap duo Sons of Hagar and an ode to Zeryab, the ninth-century Iraqi credited with bringing the ud (classical guitar) to much of Europe. Seattle Center, noon. For complete festival line-up and info, www.arabcenter.net.Rabbit in the MoonOnce upon a time, this theatrical California rave troupe were renowned for their visually engrossing live shows, but a decade after that particular moment has passed it seems pretty damn iffy to be charging $30 or $40 to see it. Nostalgia, anyone? Premier, 9 p.m. $30 adv./$40Monday, August 8Avril Lavigne + Gavin DeGraw + Butch WalkerInevitably, somebody, somewhere is going to buy tickets to this show. They will come wearing a tie and too much charcoal eyeliner. They will throw their hands up and sing along to “Sk8ter Boi,” “I Don’t Want to Be,” and “Mixtape.” And they will fall asleep thinking, “That was $40 well spent.” White River Amphitheatre, 6 p.m. $38.50–$43.50Hank Williams IIIA name can get you places, especially if you’ve got what we’ll politely refer to as moxie to back it up. For example, this country-royalty scion, whose bad attitude and metallic musical leanings aren’t necessarily separate entities. JB Beverley and the Wayward Drifters open. Crocodile Cafe, 8 p.m. $17.50 adv./$20Tuesday, August 9The PonysThe Ponys galloped away with some hearts (ba-da-bing!) this spring at SXSW, thanks to their infectious, keyboard-embellished pop. Too bad vocalist Jared Gummere sings like he’s about to die. The Occasion and Miss Alex White open. Crocodile Cafe, 9 p.m. $10 EUPCOMING SHOWSAug 10 Celtic Woman, Benaroya HallAug 10 Alison Krauss & Union Station, Marymoor ParkAug 10 Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Moore TheatreAug 10 The Brotherhood Tour, South Lake Union ParkAug 10 Tinsley Ellis, Triple DoorAug 10 Violent Femmes, Woodland Park ZooAug 11 Bruce Springsteen, KeyArenaAug 11 Ozzfest 2005, White River AmphitheatreAug 11 Jim White, Triple DoorAug 12–13 B.B. King Blues Festival, South Lake Union ParkAug 13 Jack Johnson, Gorge AmphitheatreAug 13 Natalie MacMaster, Marymoor ParkAug 14 David Gray, Moore TheatreAug 14 Jesse Winchester, Triple DoorAug 15 Michael Burks, Triple DoorAug 16 Liz Phair, Crocodile CafeAug 16 Coldplay, White River AmphitheatreAug 16–21 Bob James Trio, Dimitriou’s Jazz AlleyAug 17 Johnny Clegg, Triple DoorAug 17 Cowboy Junkies, Woodland Park ZooAug 19–21 Dave Matthews Band + North Mississippi Allstars, Gorge AmphitheatreAug 19 Delbert McClinton, Marymoor ParkAug 19 Pink Martini, Chateau Ste. MichelleAug 20 Dinosaur Jr., ShowboxAug 20 Keali’l Reichl, South Lake Union ParkAug 21 Amy Grant, Chateau Ste. MichelleAug 23-28 Eddie Palmieri, Dimitriou’s Jazz AlleyAug 24 John Mellancamp + John Fogerty, White River Amphitheatre