Sound Menu October 10 2007

THURS/11

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B-SIDE PLAYERS, SALVADORE SANTANA BAND, CIPES & THE PEOPLE Dubbed the "Fire in the Youth" tour (after the title of the headliner's current album), this rootsy show is heavy on Latin rhythms and a "let's change the world, people" message. The evening's global funk stew is splashed with dollops of reggae, ska, hip-hop, son and jazz jackknifed with just enough rock to pump up the volume. Keyboardist Salvadore is you-know-who's offspring and has already covered his dad's "Evil Ways." Reports are that San Diego's B-Side Players' bilingual, horn-blasted caliente dance groove is explosive live, but all three acts should keep the vibe fiery and sweaty. $15. 8 p.m. Smith's Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — Hal Horowitz

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DEL THA FUNKEE HOMOSAPIEN, DEVIN THE DUDE Both boast underground cred and mainstream bona fides. Del got an early lift from cousin Ice Cube, but went his own way, offering a cleverly contorted flow over jazzy backing with his Hieroglyphics crew. He worked in the cult-fave supergroup Deltron 3030, and collaborated with Gorillaz on the singles "Clint Eastwood" and "Rock the House." Del's supporting his first solo disc in seven years, 11th Hour. An early protégé of DJ Screw in Houston, Devin's comic timing and soulful sway have allowed him to go from being a "rapper's rapper" to the verge of mainstream success with this year's Waitin' to Inhale. $15. 9 p.m. Georgia Theatre. 706-549-9918. www.georgiatheatre.com. — Mosi Reeves

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THE GLASS In 2003, Dominique Keegan promoted New York's indie-dance hegemony by producing The Sound of New York, a compilation of the city's freshest voices, for his Plant Music label. He also tacked on a cut from his project the Glass, a pairing with DJ Wool that deals in 2/4 beats and strobe-light synths. Four years later, the Glass is dropping a formal EP, Couples Therapy, courtesy of newly formed Atlanta label DSIR Music. The duo will celebrate the EP arrival with a CD-release party and performance at Bazzaar. $7. 9 p.m. Bazzaar. 404-885-7505. www.bazzaaratlanta.com. — MR

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MITCH EASTER, SHALINI, MAGNAPOP Athens bands often argue that there is no actual "Athens sound," but one of the main documentarians of the elusive spirit of early '80s Classic City attitude is North Carolina's Easter. His deft production on records by R.E.M., Love Tractor and many others helped define college-rock jangle and thus influenced a generation of musicians around the world. Along the way, he's made some great pop records featuring his own compositions as the mastermind behind Let's Active. Tonight, he's joined by his wife's combo, Shalini, and old pals Magnapop. $8. 9 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — Lee Valentine Smith

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THE ROCHES Rock/folk sisters Maggie, Suzzy and Terry Roche perform music from their 2002 Zero Church album. The music is the Roches' settings of prayers gathered from religions around the world, a product of the group's participation in a 2001 seminar at Harvard University's Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue. The album's name is cleverly inclusive wordplay upon the "Zero Church St." entrance to part of Cambridge's hyperactivist First Parish, where some of the seminar's events took place. Tickets available only through the Carlos Museum's website. $20. 8 p.m. Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. 404-727-4280. www.carlos.emory.edu. — Mark Gresham

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FRI/12

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ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The French theme of the ASO's opening concerts is continued in a program led by Pinchas Zuckerman (appearing as guest conductor rather than violinist). The second of Haydn's "Paris" symphonies (No. 83) opens the program. Rising-star violinist Viviane Hagner lends her vibrant, rich-colored tones as soloist for "Poème" by Ernest Chausson and the "Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso" by Camille Saint-Saëns, whose towering "Symphony No. 3" ("Organ Symphony"), featuring ASO keyboardist Peter Marshall on organ, concludes the program. $16-$70. 8 p.m. Symphony Hall, Woodruff Arts Center. 404-733-5000. www.atlantasymphony.org. — MG

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CARIBOU, BORN RUFFIANS Before punk-rock bully Handsome Dick Manitoba brought a copyright lawsuit that forced a name change, Canadian musician Dan Snaith went by the name Manitoba and issued psychedelic pop epics such as 2003's Up in Flames. Post-lawsuit, Snaith is known as Caribou, and he still creates excellent and beautifully whimsical recordings such as the recent Andorra. Warp Records upstart Born Ruffians and Decatur's the Royal Carltons open the evening. $10. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — MR

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FLAMING FIRE It's hard to place a tab on Brooklyn's Flaming Fire. Does the group sound more like Gwar or the B-52's? The answer is a little of both and neither one at all. Flaming Fire creates a bold, whimsical and totally surreal theatrical rock plod by way of big, clumsy and forceful art punk that yells at you about God, death and killing the right people. Local acts tree creature, JBMN and Fedayeen also perform. $8. 9 p.m. 11:11 Teahouse. 404-521-1911. www.myspace.com/1111teahouse. — Chad Radford

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NICKEL CREEK, BELA FLECK The Creekers have announced that this is the final tour (for a while), so if you love them, you better go. All three members are still in their 20s, and each is individually talented enough to forge his or her own career. But the synergy between them was magical, and their unique progressive take on bluegrass will be missed. Banjoman extraordinaire Bela Fleck opens. $25-$35. 8 p.m. Fox Theatre. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org. — James Kelly

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STEEP CANYON RANGERS This is some stone-cold hillbilly bluegrass, just the way it oughta be played. Working their great new CD Lovin' Pretty Women, these young upstarts keep the spirit of traditional music fresh and alive. $12-$15. 8 p.m. Red Light Café. 404-874-7828. www.redlightcafe.com. — JK

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SAT/13

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ATLANTA BALALAIKA SOCIETY A program of traditional Russian and Eastern European music by the ABS Balalaika Orchestra, featuring Ukrainian-born bayan (button accordion) soloist Alla Mulvehill from Alabama, and the acclaimed New York-based Russian dance-and-music ensemble Barynya. $20. 7:30 p.m. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 404-325-2449. www.atlantabalalaika.com. — MG

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DJ KRUSH DJ Krush is one of the few non-American hip-hop artists to win a sizable cult following in this country. He accomplished it with a series of influential albums — from his 1994 self-titled debut through Meiso, Milight, Strictly Turntablized and many others — and collaborations with bleeding-edge rap acts such as the Roots and Anti-Pop Consortium. Over the past two years he's reflected on his past with 2006's Stepping Stones: The Self-Remixed Best and this year's DVD collection History of DJ Krush. DJ Kid A from local electronic band Substance Theory opens. $20. 11 p.m. The Loft. 404-885-1365. www.theloftatl.com. — MR

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THE DONNAS, DONITA SPARKS AND THE STELLAR MOMENTS, AMERICAN BANG Bitchin', the spirited new release by the Donnas, released by their own Purple Feather Records, isn't quite as polished as their previous, Butch Walker-produced effort. It reverts to the harder stuff, and retains a slightly refined edge. Tonight, all recorded subtleties will surely be pushed away by their loud, anthemic rockers and reaction from their enthusiastic fans. Sparks should have a substantial number of fans in attendance as well. The former L7 siren has a great band along for her first "solo" tour including Lady Dee Plakas (L7) and popular L.A. pop guitarist Sid Brown. American Bang opens. $15. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — LVS

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GREGG ALLMAN Expect a crisp fall evening at the park tonight, so bring a sweater — but be prepared to shed it as Allman and pals heat up the usually humid venue. After another successful season of Allman Brothers tours, Gregg is back out on the road, playing his solo hits and a few familial classics, with able backing from a cache of remarkable veteran players. Jerry Jemmott (bass), Mark McGee (guitar), Steve Potts (drums), Bruce Katz (percussion), Neil Larson (keyboards) and Jay Collins (sax) are all scheduled to join in on the extended solos and tightly wound blues-rock rave-ups. $38-$78. 8 p.m. Chastain Park Amphitheater. 404-249-6400. www.ticketmaster.com. — LVS

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SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES Calling Borges and her road-hardened band country rock doesn't do justice to the swirling intensity they rev up during a typical show. Neither of her two albums capture her onstage electricity, either, but anyone who has seen this group cook in concert, with its combination of Stones/electric Dylan rocking and Dusty in Memphis country soul, returns a believer and comes back for another dose. $10. 9 p.m. The Five Spot. 404-223-1100. www.fivespot-atl.com. — HH

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SUN/14

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RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS Love him or hate him, you have to acknowledge Adams is talented. The quality of his high-volume Americana/rock output varies, and suggests that with the guidance of a good editor he could make half as many records, but they would be twice as good. Recent reports hailed the new, mature Adams was here, but a recent hissy fit on stage shows the old Adams is still there as well. $30-$42.50. 8 p.m. Fox Theatre. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org. — JK

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SHAKING RAY LEVIS, LADONNA SMITH, DAVEY WILLIAMS Shaking Ray Levis is an improvisational collective centered around Chattanoogans Dennis Palmer (vocals, synthesizers) and Bob Stagner (percussion). The group's twisted take on noise and Southern sounds is dubbed ol'-timey avant-garde. Birmingham, Ala.'s LaDonna Smith (violin and viola) balances classical and experimental forms, creating a distinctive improv blend. There's no telling what Davey Williams will do. He might play guitar or invent a new language. $7. 8 p.m. Eyedrum. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org. — CR

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MON/15

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HOMEGROWN HOOTENANNY Java Monkey's new "Homegrown Hootenanny" showcase begins tonight with a great cast of caffeinated characters. Singer/songwriter Barb Carbon hosts and will play a short set to kick things off. Lindsay Appel then plays for 30 minutes or so. Lovable bluegrass/country/folk humorist Johnny Roquemore plays at 9:15, followed by a closing performance by the Melinda Kingsley Band. The series is planned for every third Monday of the month through, according to organizers, at least February and best of all, all this good music is yours to see and hear for free. Take that, Ticketbastards. Free. 8 p.m. Java Monkey. 404-378-5002. www.myspace.com/javamonkeymusic. — LVS

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TUES/16

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BILLY JOE ROYAL A longtime member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Royal was one of the cooler teen-idol types in the swinging '60s. He hasn't lost a note vocally, and those teenyboppers who squealed at him are still swooning, albeit a bit more slowly. Who can forget "Down in the Boondocks" or "Cherry Hill Park"? He's a legend, and he's still got it. $18. 8 p.m. Cowboys, Kennesaw. 770-426-5006. www.cowboysatlanta.com. — JK

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WED/17

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HOT HOT HEAT, BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH This pair of Canadian imports takes different avenues to the heart. Hot Hot Heat's nervy rhythms and jagged guitar are keyed by the new-wave croon of keyboardist Steve Bays. Their punchy sound is spiked with intoxicating hooks and foot-tapping beats. Bedouin Soundclash blends a reggae-dub undercurrent with a pop R&B sensibility, forging a wiry, exultant and catchy sound that echoes the Specials and Big Audio Dynamite. Their latest, Street Gospels, was produced by Bad Brains' Darryl Jenifer, and the band has also recorded an EP of mashups with Bad Brains, though release details are still sketchy. $14. 8 p.m. Center Stage. 404-885-1365. www.centerstage-atlanta.com. — CP

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PIETA BROWN The daughter of well-known folk troubadour Greg Brown is an up-and-coming artist in her own right whose popularity might soon eclipse her dad's. Her recently released third album, Remember the Sun, is a gritty example of how her tough-rocking folk can shift gears to edgy ballads such as the Lucinda Williams-styled we-gotta-get-outta-this-place "West Monroe." Like the best artists in her genre, Brown's expressive voice and lyrics rip through her soul and into yours, exposing the raw emotions underneath. $12. 8 p.m. Eddie's Attic. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — HH

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Bands/performers/venues wishing to be included in Sound Menu's noted-acts boxes may send recordings, press material and schedules two weeks in advance to Creative Loafing c/o Rodney Carmichael, 384 Northyards Blvd., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30313, or e-mail information to: rodney.carmichael@creativeloafing.com. To be included in the listings only, e-mail venue and band schedules by Friday at noon (for the issue that comes out the following Thursday) to soundboard@creativeloafing.com.