Choose your own adventure this fine Thursday evening - you might even be able to squeeze in more than one venue on the path to live-music-induced bliss!---

First, Portland's Shelley Short and Alexis Gideon kick off the first of two dates in Salt Lake City with a very special 7 p.m. all-ages in-store at Slowtrain (221 E. Broadway). Seriously, do not miss these artists. They've played the Beehive State twice already to rather disappointing turnouts. It's time to give them the attention they deserve. Why? Gideon blows minds with his hip-hop opera based on Hungarian mythology complete with animation/claymation projected on a screen while he manipulates electronic gadgets and electric guitar. Short is currently promoting her new Hush Records release A Cave, A Canoo (yes, Canoo). She is more than a folk artist, folks. Her voice is gorgeous and eerie - a wonderful combination. The duo will also headline The Urban Lounge tomorrow evening.

Booker T fans are wise to hit up Red Butte Garden for his performance with current collaborators Drive-By Truckers playing material off the new-ish Potato Hole. Kick. Ass. Cracker will open the show that wraps up another solid season at the outdoor concert venue.

Later tonight, stop by The Urban Lounge and send-off Utah's The Devil Whale who are heading out on a weeks-long tour this weekend. Blue Sunshine Soul and The Future of the Ghost will also perform.

Ready? Set... GO!