Typecasting call out

denotes CL Picks.Fri., April 30
ALL THE HITS Q100/FOX 5 STAGE

KATY ROSE — This soulful 17-year-old singer/songwriter — a modern take on the soul-shout of Janis Joplin — comes from a family of noted SoCal musicians. Her dad was in Poco and her mom was a backup singer for a slew of '70s classic rockers.
8-8:45 p.m. (Smith)

J-KWON — With "Tipsy" still rocking the clubs and a remix completed, we will see if Jermaine Dupri's Chingy counterpart J-Kwon and his Hood Hop really has legs. Just for good measure, he may also spit "They Ask Me," his deep, autobiographical rhyme. 9:30-10:00 p.m. (Penrice)

LUDACRIS — Few rappers bring this much fun to the stage. But that's Ludacris; he knows how to entertain. Yes, Bill O'Reilly's favorite target does use questionable language, but what driver in Atlanta hasn't wanted to scream "Move, bitch, get out the way!" 10:30-11:30 p.m. (Penrice)

COCA-COLA/V103/WB 36! STAGE

CATO — Formerly with the SWATs group OvaDose, this 22-year-old Atlanta-born and raised rapper is known as the Main Event. 7:45-8:15 p.m.

YOUNGBLOODZ — This rap duo is a true homegrown success story, from its close ties to Atlanta's tight-knit Attic Crew collective to its ambitious 2003 So So Def Records release, complete with the requisite Lil Jon track ("Damn!"). Catch 'em now before the OutKast-style bandwagon takes off. 9-9:45 p.m. (Moreau)

LIL JON & THE EASTSIDE BOYZ — If OutKast is the Beatles of hip-hop, Atlanta's King of Crunk Lil Jon is its Little Richard: an unlikely trailblazer whose music, dress and vocabulary set him apart — even from Andre 3000. When "Get Low" unfolds, watch all races, ages and classes come together. 10:30-11:30 p.m. (Moreau)

FORD/96ROCK/UPN ATLANTA STAGE

TANTRIC — These former members of one-hit wonder Days of the New fill the post-grunge spot on the Maverick label's roster formerly held by Candlebox. Tantric rocks harder than peer 3 Doors Down, with a dash of Southern rock grit leavening its thrift-store Jerry Cantrell riffs. 5:25-6:10 p.m. (Moreau)

KANSAS — Although most thought these prog-rockers were "Dust in the Wind," Kansas celebrated the group's 30th anniversary last year with a bunch of reissues. The band's daytime slot will make its light show moot, but Steve Walsh can still hit most of the high notes on "Carry on Wayward Son." 6:40-7:30 p.m. (Kaufman)

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD — For the last decade, Shepherd has released a collection of music that often hides his true talents. His live show is the best way to experience the innovative guitar hero, often and (sometimes unfairly) saddled with the "heir apparent to Stevie Ray Vaughn" burden. 8-9:30 p.m. (Smith)

STEVE MILLER BAND — Although 13 million people own his greatest-hits album, Steve Miller is all about the live show. The Music Midtown veteran has consistently put on a good-time show for 35 years. Male, female, young, old, drunk and sober will all be there to praise "The Joker." 10-11:30 p.m. (Kaufman)

MILLER LITE/99X STAGE

LO-PRO — The first act of the weekend on this larger- than-life stage is appropriately expansive. Signed by Staind, Lo-Pro boasts a similar grunge /metal/emo attack with echoed, cascading guitars and arena- filling, dramatic vocals. Tight playing and melodic songs nudge the group in front of others sharing the same crowded genre. 6:30-7 p.m. (Horowitz)

DEFAULT — Default first scored with the derivative new-rock power ballad "Wasting My Time," which closely resembled the post-Creed crunch of Nickelback (whose Chad Kroeger is a mentor of the band). Last year's Elocation improves the formula with stronger guitar work and Dallas Smith's raw, expressive vocals.
7:30-8:30 p.m. (Moreau)

PUDDLE OF MUDD — "Puddle of Velveeta-like grunge/metal for listless youth" more like. It's probably a generational thing, but really, why emulate defunct bands (Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, et al.) that weren't that interesting in the first place. Yeah, the show will "rock," and if earnest hard rock is your bag, look no further. Me, I'll be checking out the Amnesty International table. 9-10 p.m. (Robertson)

HOOBASTANK — The insistent melodicism of this scruffy California quartet often makes up for its trite, formulaic lyrics and sterile, over-produced arrangements. Listen for spirited, if generic, pop songs such as "Running Away," and take a bathroom break during unmoving, cookie-cutter anthems like "Just One."
10:30 p.m.-midnight (Moreau)

99X LOCALS ONLY STAGE

BAIN MATTOX — Intense, focused folk from one of the region's best singer/songwriters. Multi-instrumentalist Mattox — yes, he plays the accordion, and yes, you will like it — fronts his self-monikered band with the relaxed professionalism of a performer twice his age. 7-7:30 p.m. (Smith)

SLOWEARTH — An electronic, pop and industrial blender of dark, brooding prog landscapes. As unforgiving as the cement slab parking lot and occasionally as uncomfortable as the line for the port-a-johns — and, like those dank sanctuaries, occasionally worth the wait. 8:30-9 p.m. (Smith)

TO WHOM IT CONCERNS — Whom indeed. A Work In Progress would perhaps be a better band name, as this outfit has yet to decide which genre best suits its purposes, opting to cover all the bases until some facet of the band's varied ruckus gels.
10-10:30 p.m. (Madigan)

WABE/CULTURAL STAGE

JIMMY CYPHER — A mind-melding warp of electronica and classic rock in one trippy carpet ride, dude. Guitar-whiz Cypher manages to blend world, rave and rock in a nutty prog-head salad that should delight and enlighten. Cypher amazingly unleashes a laid-back take on full-power groove. 6-6:45 p.m. (Smith)

JIMMY BARRET — Alt-country troubadour who successfully blends folk and rock elements at the bumpy crossroads of slick Nashville and gritty Austin. Catchy, well-made tunes that can be appreciated by country and rock fans alike. 7-7:45 p.m. (Smith)

THE LILLI LEWIS PROJECT — Pianist/vocalist Lilli Lewis is known for her jazz/R&B sensibilities, but leans toward the "acoustic soul" side of her repertoire in this appearance. Word is her clarinetist, Todd Brunel, won't be available for the show; Atlanta flutist Nicole Randall will stand in. 8-8:45 p.m. (Gresham)

DJ J-LUV & BRIAN DOTSON — Been to a Midtown club in the past 10 years? Then J-Luv has rocked your late-night world with his funky brand of house, techno and jazzy beats. Expect equally outdoor-friendly house tunes from Lava's music director Brian Dotson. 9-10:15 p.m. (Behan)

LATE NIGHT ESSENTIALS — You're sweaty, sunburned and the beer line is still 40 people deep. Reach for that backup flask and take yourself higher with the refreshing house and techno-infused sounds of DJ DK and Brad Smith. The choosey DJs won't disappoint electronic music fans. 10:30 p.m.-midnight (Behan)

Sat., May 1
ALL THE HITS Q100/ FOX 5 STAGE

JOSH KELLEY — Augusta's Josh Kelley used the Internet to do more than surf porn: His persistent seeding of tracks online helped him find his way into a record deal. For the Ride Home is a selection of atmospheric homespun charms that will please fans of fellow Music Midtown performers Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw. 3:30-4:15 p.m. (Ware)

TOBY LIGHTMAN — On her recent debut, this folk/pop newcomer is hamstrung by chilly techno/trip-hop arrangements that uncomfortably shoehorn her witty songs and powerful voice into contemporary radio fodder. She's truly talented — honest, expressive and concise — when stripped of the studio sheen; she ought to shine. 4:45-5:30 p.m. (Horowitz)

JOSS STONE — VH-1 knows a budding diva when they hear one, and British singer Joss Stone is the latest to delight. With Betty Wright, soul sister No. 1, in her corner, and an album of obscure and soulful covers, the appropriately named The Soul Sessions, how can she miss? 6-7 p.m. (Penrice)

FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE — Revenge of the misanthropes. Fountains of Wayne is not your average pantywaist power pop combo. By crafting intelligent, wry and sometimes outright vengeful songs (all catchy as hell), the band distinguishes itself as "interesting alternative rock." While hardly qualifying as effusive praise, given the competition, FOW is a subversive, if ultimately minor, delight. 7:45-8:45 p.m. (Robertson)

TBA — Act for this time slot was not available at press time.
9:30-10:15 p.m.

BIG BOI OF OUTKAST — As one-half of Atlanta's definitive hip-hop duo, Big Boi plays a big beats and bass-heavy set sans OutKast partner Andre 3000. As the down-to-Earth Id of OutKast, Big Boi (aka Antwan Patton) puts a street-savvy sway on a modern and innovative sound. 11 p.m.-midnight (Radford)

COCA-COLA/V103/WB 36! STAGE

LIL FLIP — Houston's Lil Flip has kept hot by blazing on fire cuts including David Banner's "Like a Pimp." His single "Game Over (Flip)" has helped his album U Gotta Feel Me climb the charts. He even heats up his "homegirl" Beyonce's "Naughty Girl (Remix)." 2:45-3:30 p.m. (Penrice)

SCAR — Scar's debut album hits shelves via OutKast's Aquemini Records later this year, featuring a genre-bending blend of rock, soul, jazz and hip-hop. With live instrumentation and impressive vocal know-how, Scar's the artist everyone else will be mad they missed by the time fall rolls around. 4-4:30 p.m. (Byrom)

HESTON — Dominica is not known for its musical greatness, but Heston is changing that. His musical pedigree includes time spent in Philadelphia. So, here in Atlanta, audiences have been treated to his special blend of Caribbean soul. 5:15-6 p.m. (Penrice)

ANGIE STONE --Talent is indeed timeless, and Columbia, S.C., native Angie Stone may be at her best with her latest album, Stone Love, which she should preview here. If not, hits like "No More Rain" and "Brotha" won't disappoint. 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Penrice)

WYCLEF JEAN — Unlike other artists, Jean's past performances have been known to be lengthy. In recent years, he has learned to pace himself. With his native Haiti and its problems weighing heavy on his mind, and Atlanta's ever-increasing Caribbean population, expect a memorable show. 8-9 p.m. (Penrice)

GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC — Twisting soul and R&B to cosmic heights in the '70s, Parliament Funkadelic brings the mothership down to freak the funk one more time. More than three decades after emerging as a brain-bending force behind black music, the group's songs are groovier than ever. 9:40-11:40 p.m. (Radford)

FORD/96ROCK/UPN ATLANTA STAGE

FINGER ELEVEN — Wind-up Records, home of titans Creed and Evanescence, is banking on similar success from this quintet. Having toned down a sound that once recalled Our Lady Peace in favor of more direct crunch rocking, the band is certainly swinging for the same stylistic fence as its labelmates. 3-3:45 p.m. (Moreau)

SMILE EMPTY SOUL — "Hey, let's check out some smokin' old-school soul on the big stage. What? They're just another generic, angst-ridden, emo-influenced nu-metal band spouting the same loud/soft pissy attitude in a post-Nirvana haze? Well, forget it, then." 4:15-5 p.m. (Horowitz)

SMITHEREENS — A rock band with lots of Brain Wilson in its veins. Lead singer Pat DiNizio doesn't have much of a stage presence in his knit hat, but the Smithereens' upbeat melodies over dark lyrics are perfect for a sunshiny day and will get the thirtysomething girls dancing. 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Kaufman)

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS — Blending classic Skynyrd-style rock with fiery shots of honky-tonk heartbreak, the Drive-By Truckers play tunes from the band's acclaimed CDs Southern Rock Opera and Decoration Day, plus new songs from the forthcoming "big, mean-assed rock and roll album" The Dirty South. 7-8 p.m. (Nicoll)

CHRIS ROBINSON & THE NEW EARTH MUD — Set to release his second solo album June 29, former Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson brings a revamped New Earth Mud to the stage. Joined by George Reiff, Steve DiStanislao, Rob Barraco and former Black Crowe Audley Freed, Robinson melds elements of rock, blues, soul and country to create music that'll make you dance. Expect songs from his previous album, the upcoming This Magnificent Distance and probably a couple of covers. 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Holland)

DOORS OF THE 21ST CENTURY — Now fronted by Ian Astbury of the Cult, the Doors may have become a cover band of the group it once was. But for cheap thrills, nobody does a better impersonation of Jim Morrison. And who knows, you might even hear a few Cult covers as well. 10-11:30 p.m. (Radford)

MILLER LITE/99X STAGE

STORY OF THE YEAR — This St. Louis combo's hook is to marry the plaintive emo anthems of a Jimmy Eat World with faint nu-metal brawn. That formula netted the band a slot on Linkin Park's recent Meteora tour, doing its part to bring the two camps closer together. 3:30-4:15 p.m. (Moreau)

DAMIEN RICE — Irish singer/songwriter Rice defied conventional expectations with O, a surprisingly beautiful and resonant debut. Being introspective without lapsing into self-indulgence is no mean trick, and if obvious comparisons need to be made, I'm thinking early Van Morrison. Don't know if you'll be able to hear him above the frat boy babble, but by all means, do try. 4:45-5:30 p.m. (Robertson)

TRAPT — Last year, Trapt was a hungry new rock/metal act, riding a hot new tune ("Headstrong") off an auspicious debut, and stormed the stage accordingly. Back again, the band is still touring behind the same album and that song is a year older. 6-7 p.m. (Horowitz)

THE STROKES — Yesterday's "rock revival" poster boys are now relics given the music industry's fickle tastes. Still, the Strokes' sophomore release streamlined the band's New York state of mind, proving that really great tunes can compensate for an obvious lack of originality. Great showmen, this will surely be one of the festival's better bets. 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Robertson)

THE OFFSPRING — The hard-rocking Offspring propel catchy sing-along songs with incendiary punk drive, mixing Bon Jovi hooks with Agent Orange fire. It'll be interesting to see, though, if the blue-collar festival crowd embraces the band's recent involvement with "Rock Against Bush."
9-10 p.m. (Nicoll)

FOO FIGHTERS — The Foo Fighters combine pop melodies with thundering drums and brash guitar work for a sound that is pure rock. The Foos return to Music Midtown for the first time since '98 to churn out hit after energetic hit. 10:30-11:40 p.m. (Byrom)

99X LOCALS ONLY STAGE

FIVEEIGHT — At once sturdy and fragile, singer/guitarist Mike Manitone's world is a place where troubling, scary lyrics are often leavened by bombastic Townshend-tinged guitar rock. Listen to the words, just rock, or both. With this long-running Athens band, it's your choice. 3-3:30 p.m. (Smith)

THE TOM COLLINS — Yes, they sound a lot like Led Zeppelin — too much, really — but the Collins boys can mix up a potent and intoxicating brew of their own, as well. Modern classic rock for stoic hipsters and young, sun (and otherwise)-baked minds. 4:15-4:45 p.m. (Smith)

SECOND SHIFT — Pop rock in the not-too-edgy, not-too-grungy category. The five-member band crafts hooky melodies and breezy, pleasing fare that should be perfect for the group's steamy late-afternoon slot. 5:30-6 p.m. (Smith)

HEAVY MOJO — Astute scenesters may remember this band as Mojo 99, but with the addition of D.D. Fingers, the seven-piece hip-hop ensemble has morphed into a virtual encyclopedia of weighty fun. Imagine a crazy intersection between Rick James Boulevard and Stan Getz Street — with plenty of urban landmarks on the way. 7-7:30 p.m. (Smith)

ISHUES — As a member of the Athens-based hip-hop collective Herb and Skills and as a solo emcee, Ishues delivers a biting and socially conscious lyrical flow. Wafting between lightheartedness, paranoia and aggression, his live performances are as acerbic as they are cerebral. 8:30-9 p.m. (Radford)

CRAZY ANGLOS — If this were the summer of 2000 and every-damn-body was sporting cargo pants and listening to Limp Bizkit, then Crazy Anglos, what with the band's killer riffs and polished rap-rock melodies, would be a sight more relevant on this year's bill. 10-10:30 p.m. (Stewart)

WABE/CULTURAL STAGE

FULL TURN DANCE TEAM — A Marietta-based hip-hop and rock dance group that is a creative project of the Full Turn Youth Ministries camp. The troupe's lively performance is scheduled to include the eight artists' take on "Try Again" by Aaliyah. 2-2:45 p.m. (Smith)

HOT YOUNG PRIEST — Last year, Mary Byrne's former band Shamgod played an impressive set on this stage. This year, her new band should be equally enjoyable. The Priest presides over stark pop landscapes with catchy, challenging time shifts — all thankfully without that annoying math-rock pretense. 3-3:45 p.m. (Smith)

ED ZACHARY — An organic and decidedly straightforward approach to rock, with a take-it-or-leave-it, no-fills presentation, the Zachary gang lets it rip with wanton practice-room abandon. Ragged riffs and rolling thunder. 4-4:45 p.m. (Smith)

CHRONIC SAXOPHONIC — As far from Dave Koz as humanly possible, the culture clash of old-school saxophone with the funky touch of a DJ gives this band the edge to win the most creative concept award. Horny scratches. 5-5:45 p.m. (Smith)

NOMADIX — A tribe of wandering performers of greatly divergent musical influences. The nomadic clan includes live MCs, breakdancers and other performers, including DJ Rob420 and his sidekicks Bromeo and Matt Lamson. Something for almost everyone. 6-6:45 p.m. (Smith)

JABARI — A good jazz band simply must include a guy named Grover, and this local trio features Grover Walker on saxophone. Straight-ahead mellow versions of standards from the great American songbook, cult favorites and more get the Jabari treatment. 7-7:45 p.m. (Smith)

SPEEDY VOODOO — Described as "ethno-electro," Speedy Voodoo features producers Joseph McCannon and Alexander Rambaud, with a band including dancer Toniet Gallego, DJ Sharaab, anchored by the propulsive Jason Currin on percussion. 8-9 p.m. (Smith)

ABSTRACT FOUNDATION — The conceptual flock of forward-thinking spinners features DJs laying down a fine sampling of early evening deep house with infusions of nu jazz and downtempo. Perfect for checking out the collection of arts, crafts and other creative commerce in the area, readily available for your perusal. 9:30-10:15 p.m. (Smith)

RARE FORM — Local DJs Tim DeGroot and J-Sol drop a mix of up-downtempo, blending hip-house, broken-beat, rare groove, nu jazz and more rarefied funk, classic and contemporary.
10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (Ware)

Sun., May 2
ALL THE HITS Q100/FOX 5 STAGE

ANGELA WOLFF — In the you-heard-it-here-first department, take heed of Wolff, an 18-year-old Atlanta-based singer/songwriter making her Music Midtown debut. She was recently signed to Vivation Records, a Nashville-based label formed by country musician Jeff Huskins, formerly of Little Texas. Yee haw, mama! 3-3:45 p.m. (Smith)

GRAHAM COLTON — Rollicking, sincere Texan-roots rock-meets-alt pop quartet Graham Colton will appeal to fans of Tom Petty, Counting Crows, Maroon 5 and Guster. 4:15-5 p.m. (Ware)

GAVIN DEGRAW — Pleasant piano pop piffle. DeGraw's soulful vocals start out strong until you realize that all his songs basically sound the same. Diminishing returns quickly set in, especially since he's played here twice in the past four months. 5:30-6:15 p.m. (Horowitz)

JASON MRAZ — Still touring behind his 2002 debut, Mraz's upbeat folk/pop seems to have resonated with the freshly scrubbed Dave Matthews crowd. Unpretentious and cheerful, he's good for a few solid songs and his bubbly personality pulls him through the rest. 6:45-7:45 p.m. (Horowitz)

JESSICA SIMPSON — "Saturday Night Live," Star 94's Jingle Jam and her variety show with hubby Nick Lachey have proven Simpson's a natural entertainer with a healthy sense of humor about her ditzy sexpot image. But do we really want to hear her sing? 8:15-9:45 p.m. (Moreau)

COCA-COLA/V103/ WB 36! STAGE

THE SPIRIT OF MUSIC SEXTET FEATURING ME'SHELL NDEGEOCELLO — Ndegeocello's newest album is a dreamy yet intoxicating mix of reggae and soul that might not gel in the afternoon sun during the disappointingly brief 45 minutes allotted. But she's a phenomenal musician who should be able to seize the moment to explore her soul/funk roots. 3-3:45 p.m. (Horowitz)

CEE-LO — Representing the Dungeon Family, Atlanta and the Dirty South in general as one of hip-hop's more unique personalities, Cee-Lo jams on a dynamic blend of rap, soul and funk like none of his neo-soul contemporaries. Who says you can't party on a Sunday afternoon?
4:15-5:15 p.m. (Byrom)

ANTHONY HAMILTON — So So Def CEO Jermaine Dupri says those who passed on his prized North Carolina soul man need their ears checked. Talk about pure, gutter-bucket soul and you've got Anthony Hamilton, whose talent is so much bigger than his hook on Nappy Roots' "Po' Folks." 5:45-6:45 p.m. (Penrice)

MUSIQ — Whatever he lacks in pure vocal ability, the Philadelphia native makes up for in style. His third album, Soulstar, has already spun the party jam, "Forthenight," but past hits like "Love" and "Just Friends (Sunny)" remain his crowning glory. 7:15-8:05 p.m. (Penrice)

TWISTA — His rapid-fire lyrical ability is no gimmick and, finally, after more than a decade, underground Chicago rap legend Twista is in the platinum leagues with his album Kamikaze. Crowd-pleasers will include "Slow Jams" and "Overnight Celebrity," produced by fellow Chicagoan/rapper Kanye West. 9-9:45 p.m. (Penrice)

FORD/96ROCK/UPN ATLANTA STAGE

KARL DENSON'S TINY UNIVERSE — Multi-instrumentalist Denson has rocked with Lenny Kravitz and swung with the acid-jazz combo Greyboy Allstars. Currently, his Tiny Universe brings elemental R&B and jazz-funk grooves to the appreciative patchouli-and-tie-dye set. What do they know that you don't? Simple: He's a great performer. 2:45-3:30 p.m. (Moreau)

GALACTIC — These New Orleans jammers keep the funk fired up, the solos spicy and the beats cutting edge as they add jittery hip-hop rhythms to their powerful R&B groove. Soulful vocalist Theryl DeClouet and sizzling saxophonist Ben Ellman help propel this acid/jazz rocket into orbit. 4-5 p.m. (Horowitz)

WEEN — Ween is the most nonserious Scotchguard-powered bong-toting duo to ever be taken seriously by its fans. Seeing the New Hope, Penn., brothers Dean and Gene play a massive, outdoor summer music festival is sure to elicit a totally bizarre performance, even by Ween's standards. 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Radford)

REO SPEEDWAGON — REO Speedwagon has put out one CD of new stuff in the last 13 years, and lead crooner Kevin Cronin looks silly in his bleached blond short hair, but there are still three-fifths of the band from REO's Hi Infidelity heyday. Expect plenty of drunken make-out sessions during power ballads. 7-8 p.m. (Kaufman)

JOURNEY — With a new-ish EP and a massive vault of AOR staples, Journey guarantees hit after hit, even without the sound-defining croon of former frontman Steve Perry. Current vocalist Steve Augeri holds his own on the catalog, and Neil Schon's guitar work is as strong as ever. 8:30-10 p.m. (Byrom)

MILLER LITE/ 99X STAGE

GARY JULES — Yes, there is more to his repertoire than that haunting version of Tears for Fears' "Mad World" off the Donnie Darko soundtrack. Not only can the singer/songwriter croon with the best of them, his mature indie-rock looks ensure a crowd full of swooning female fans. 3-3:45 p.m. (Behan)

THE FIRE THEFT — You know the Fire Theft as 75 percent of emo touchstones Sunny Day Real Estate, but that doesn't really qualify the band to appear on the 99X stage. The Theft is here because it now rocks its diary in classically influenced prog mélanges rather than post-hardcore aggression, and because it shares bassist Nate Mendel with Foo Fighters. He's a busy boy this weekend. 4:15-5 p.m. (Swaminathan)

SWITCHFOOT — Thanks to the anthem single "Meant to Live," this Christian alt-rock outfit has parted the turbulent waters of secular prejudice to become a bona fide mainstream success. Expect somewhat subtle, Trojan horse sermonizing, secreted U2-style inside crowd-pleasing rock numbers. 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Moreau)

FUEL — Fuel first revved onto radio playlists with striving, melodic numbers like "Jesus or a Gun" and the agonized "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)." Live, singer Brett Scallions poses like it's still 1997, but his cohorts know how to stoke a modern-rock crowd. 7-8 p.m. (Moreau)

COURTNEY LOVE — Love's desperate solo debut America's Sweetheart is a train wreck of slurred vocals, limp guitar riffs and undercooked hints of raspy melody. But doubtless it's Love's ongoing public meltdown (and the possibility of bared breasts) that will lure the curious. 8:30-10 p.m. (Moreau)

99X LOCALS ONLY STAGE

STEADLUR — Mableton-based quartet with enough nervous energy to power the festival's backline. Noisy, defiantly pop/rock and proud to be punk, the Steadlur studs make rockin' look easy — and fun for a change. 2:30-3 p.m. (Smith)

THE SWEAR — A fierce, unrelenting sonic onslaught of molten rock, tinged with instantly memorable melodies, written and growled by the perfect candidate for next big rock star of Atlanta: Elizabeth Elkins. Formerly of Alastor, the sensual singer/guitarist now rocks harder and tougher than ever in her sexy new guise. 3:45-4:15 p.m. (Smith)

MINUS.DRIVER — A once and possibly still promising mainstream post-hardcore act, Marietta's minus.driver faltered a bit (strategically, not musically) after being signed to Universal Records in 2002. But this year, the band's gotten its precocious ass in gear, touring the Southeast and shooting a video. The group's Deftones-inspired nu-metal is tight and tough — definitely worth a good listen. 5-5:30 p.m. (Stewart)

THE WHIGS — Talk about getting in on the ground floor: This intelligent, accessible Athens pop-rock trio doesn't even have an album in stores yet. But high-profile gigs alongside the unlikely likes of Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies and Cowboy Mouth have sewn positive buzz across a wide demographic. 6:30-7 p.m. (Moreau)

RED LETTER AGENT — Local alternative "Brit pop" group with an American flair. With engaging vocals, smart songs and straight-up production values, some speculate RLA could be the next "break out" rock band from Atlanta. In rotation at 99X; also getting airplay on WRAS-FM (88.5). 8-8:30 p.m. (Gresham)

WABE/CULTURAL STAGE

LOCAL GOSPEL CHOIR — What better way to atone for the sins of last night (and Friday night, too, you backsliding heathen) than a heapin' helpin' of traditional and contemporary gospel music? A slate of performers (TBA at press time) are scheduled to praise and testify for the almighty.
2-2:45 p.m. (Smith)

HIFI COLLECTIVE — A multicultural collective from the nation's capital, HiFi Collective blends world music with socially charged spoken word and old-school, funk-flavored hip-hop. 3-3:45 p.m. (Ware)

DESTINY FEATURING DA ONE IRIE — Dancehall meets hip-hop on a stage crowded with a DJ, guitarist, MCs, back-up singers and Caribbean toaster Da One Irie. 4-4:45 p.m. (Ware)

FOUNDATION STONE — The Cultural Stage is your one-stop sax store this year. The Stone rolls with breezy Bahamian reggae-jazz, soulful vocals and, yes, honkin' sax, with grooves aplenty, mon. Oh yeah, there's conscious hip-hop in the mix, too. Overall, it's just plain back-porch funky, y'all.
5-5:45 p.m. (Smith)

SLIM FATZ AND BAREFOOT DAVE — The moanin' and shoutin' of Cultural Stage veterans Slim Fatz and Barefoot Dave are sure to entertain even the most burned-out festival-goer. The duo presents rustic and chillingly authentic stand-up bass and guitar-based blues dealing with the hardscrabble life and times of a bygone era. 6-6:45 p.m. (Smith)

DJ RHYTHM — As the saying goes, "hip-hop and ya don't stop." Well, that is, unless you stop to hear hip-hop, of which DJ Rhythm will be spinning plenty. 7-8:15 p.m. (Ware)

DJ MATT SILLIMAN — Once known as Starboy, Atlanta's own DJ Matt Silliman closes out the festivities with progressive house and breakbeat. Silliman has been around the ATL scene for years, with stints at eleven50 and the now defunct Karma on his extensive resume. 8:30-10 p.m. (Byrom)

Contributors to the Music Midtown schedule are Erin Behan, Cory Byrom, Mark Gresham, Lea Holland, Hal Horowitz, Matt Hutchinson, Al Kaufman, Kevin Madigan, Kevin Moreau, Greg Nicoll, Ronda Racha Penrice, Chad Radford, Justin Robertson, Lee Smith, Andrew Stewart, Nikhil Swaminathan, Tony Ware.