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ANTHONY B

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Refer to yourself in the third person, and you’re in for trouble. Friends, family and strangers alike might wonder, “Who is this arrogant bastard?” before re-enacting some pithy scene from Seinfeld. Apparently this general rule of decorum doesn’t apply to politically active reggae stars like Anthony B. The Jamaican-born artist, a strong proponent of Pan Afrikanism in the tradition of Marcus Garvey, believes in his right to free speech, whether it’s referencing himself as Anthony B in interviews or cursing onstage'a practice that nearly landed him in jail on charges of profanity. B clearly has something to say, as evidenced by his 10 albums, 500 singles and myriad guest appearances on other artists’ recordings. Are you listening? Suede, 1612 Ute Blvd. (Kimball Junction), Park City, 9 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499, SmithsTix.com.

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Also Thursday: Ted Dancin’ (Urban Lounge); Still Life Decay, Carfax Files (Club Vegas)

nnFriday 1/13nn

DEADBEATS

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Tired of oversampled hip-hop tracks à la Puff Daddy, Puffy, Diddy, Puffy Charms or whatever he’s called these days? Try Deadbeats, local lyricists whose mic skills rock a lo-fi backdrop. Lokal, Jest and Mimic draw on a wide range of influences, from Blind Melon and Ministry to Aceyalone and Ghostface Killah but boil them down to a nice, straightforward sound that’s neither slick nor cheap. Tonight, check them out live'then take home a copy of Recycled Obituaries (MySpace.com/Deadbeats) and thank God it doesn’t feature any references to Sting or Biggie. Monk’s, 19 E. 200 South, 10 p.m. Info: 350-0950.

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VIOLET RUN

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Not a big fan of “taking a break” from a romantic relationship, but when it comes to musical collaborations, it seems a little time off works wonders for the creative process. Local dark rockers Violet Run went their separate ways last spring after two key members hit the road to pursue side projects and day jobs. Rather than completely dissolve, the group re-formed and continued playing, but it always felt like something was missing. Months later, Violet Run, while still seeing other people, wants to get back together. Tonight’s performance is touted as the warm-up to their big reunion “being held sometime … eventually.” Cross your fingers. Burt’s Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State, 10 p.m. Info: 521-0572, MySpace.com/BurtsTikiLounge (with Dark White).

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Also Friday: The Wolfs, Blackhole, The Heaters (Sugarbeats); Sparrow’s Gate (Lo-Fi’s Cafe); School of Rock’s Heavy Metal Show (In the Venue); Owls (Egos); Digital Underground (Teazers, Ogden)

nnSaturday 1/14nn

SHOWDOWN TO SXSW FINALS

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You can stop holding your breath now'Marissa’s scandalous sister is back on The O.C. It’s also time for City Weekly’s annual contest at which our team of judges select the crème de la crème of Utah bands for a trip to Austin, Texas where lucky winners will hobnob with label reps, legendary artists and hipsters wearing gigantic sunglasses at the annual South by Southwest Music Conference. Deadlines allowing, we’d love to tell you which groups will face down tonight, but placing bets is illegal (and will likely attract cries of favoritism from angry locals). See you there! Club Vegas, 445 S. 400 West, 8 p.m. Info: 575-7003, SLWeekly.com.

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Also Saturday: School of Rock’s Heavy Metal Show (In the Venue); Dirty Birds CD Release (Urban Lounge)

nnTuesday 1/17nn

SPOONFED TRIBE

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As their name suggests, Spoonfed Tribe is a tribal jam band hooked on psychedelic grooves. The North Texas-based quintet makes music for street festivals and love-ins. Their positive songs are both kid-suitable and weed-friendly, although parents might skip over “Dirty Sanchez,” if only for the inevitable questions it could provoke. Spoonfed is all about the Experience that accompanies each and every one of their shows. It’s not clear what this entails, but their live performances likely entail many cries for peace, love and understanding. If you think there’s something funny about that, this might not be your bag. Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Info: 746-0557, MySpace.com/TheUrbanLounge.

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Also Tuesday: Paint By Numbers (Lo-Fi’s Cafe)

nnWednesday 1/18nn

BANYAN

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You’d think former Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins could devise a better name for his experimental side project. Come on'a tropical fig tree? On closer inspection, it seems Banyans are anything but ordinary. Their ability to spread aerial roots allows a single tree to stretch across great distances. Perkins is similarly skilled, taking his musical aspirations to new heights with a rotating crew of all-star musicians including Mike Watt, Nels Cline, Thurston Moore, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ John Frusciante and Flea, Money Mark and Kevin Haskins. These impressive collaborations typically result in a tantalizing blend of ’70s-jazz fusion and dirty rock circa early ’90s, but there’s no telling what (or who) tonight’s performance might bring. Egos, 668 S. State, 9 p.m. Info: 521-5255, ClubEgos.com.

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Also Wednesday: Die Monster Die, Nim Vind (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)

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COMING UP

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Michael Franti & Spearhead (Suede, Jan. 20). KBER Salt Lake Soundcheck (Club Vegas, Jan. 21). HR (Egos, Jan. 21). G. Love & Special Sauce (Suede, Jan. 21). Isaac Hayes (Depot, Jan. 22). Pennywise (Great Saltair, Jan. 23). Aesop Rock (Depot, Jan. 23). Les Claypool’s Electric Apricot (Suede, Jan. 23). Toby Keith (Delta Center, Jan. 26). Duncan Sheik (Suede, Feb. 1). Mute Math (Kilby Court, Feb. 6). Mi & L’au (Urban Lounge, Feb. 13). Reggie & the Full Effect (Kilby Court, Feb. 15). Reliant K (In the Venue, Feb. 17).