nnThursday 2/2nn

THE ROOTS For those who just can’t wait for Utah’s smoking ban to pass, downtown’s expansive nonsmoking venue The Depot boasts crystal-clear air (which is way better than crystal-clear Pepsi), a killer sound system and so much more. Best of all, The Depot is kicking things off (again) with the Roots, innovative hip-hop legends who combine live instrumentation with sampled beats for unique takes on jazz, soul, house, rap and rock rhythms. Released in November, Home Grown! The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Roots Vols. One & Two, packages the group’s greatest hits, including the Grammy-award winning “You Got Me,” with Jill Scott taking over Erykah Badu’s hypnotic verse. The Depot, 13 N. 400 West (The Gateway), 9 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499, SmithsTix.com.

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Also Thursday: Vinyl (Egos)

nnFriday 2/3nn

THE SHOW IS THE RAINBOW Bust a move with The Show is the Rainbow, a one-man band and a couple of helping hands for bigger, better live performances. Despite operating under an incredibly awkward title, main-man Darren Keen, along with Javid Dabestini and Jim Schroder create bizarre, catchy tunes built on pimped-out microphones and mini-disc magic. All this and an audio projector casting equally bizarre images add up to more fun-filled irony then you can possibly imagine. Support Keen & Co., currently shopping for a major label. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Info: 320-9887, KilbyCourt.com.

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OTIS DAY & THE KNIGHTS Best known for their much-beloved kegger anthem “Shout,” Otis Day & the Knights are proud to be the No. 1 Party Band in America! Thanks in large part to Animal House, Otis (aka DeWayne Jessie), launched a fairly successful career based around one irreverent comedy and the millions of college students who idolize Bluto. They also helped jumpstart countless wedding receptions as exemplified in another fine piece of cinema, 2005’s Wedding Crashers. So, kick up your heels and … The Depot, 13 N. 400 West (The Gateway), 9 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499, SmithsTix.com.

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HIT & RUN BLUEGRASS Down-to-earth virtuosos Hit & Run Bluegrass pack one hell of a welcome sucker-punch. They might seem mellow, but the Colorado-based quintet brings ferocious energy both onstage and into the studio where they cook up original takes on string-heavy, roots-influenced music. Led by 22-year-old Erin Coats and her Emmylou croon, the young band bowls over audiences and judges alike, securing victories at various competitions including the Telluride Band Contest. While they’re accustomed to playing pristine outdoor amphitheaters and picturesque mountainsides, Hit & Run seem resilient enough to throw down in a smoky bar. The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Info: 746-0557, MySpace.com/TheUrban Lounge (with Lone Mountain Puddle Hoppers).

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Also Friday: In Flames (Great Saltair); Books About UFOs (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); Sindolor (Club Vegas)

nnSaturday 2/4nn

31 KNOTS Last year, 31 Knots’ fan base was mostly Portland locals, music-obsessed bloggers and members of the alternative press. Thanks to some credible word of mouth, they recently landed a deal with Polyvinyl Records to reach wider audiences who appreciate thought-provoking lyrics bathed in Thin Lizzy guitar tones. Highlights off their fourth full-length, Talk Like Blood, include the crisp-drums of “A Void Employs a Kiss” and the title track, whose intro stutters across dramatic symphonic samples. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Info: 320-9887, KilbyCourt.com (with The Hotness).

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Also Saturday: Bayside (Avalon); Los Lobos (The Depot); Da Verse (Urban Lounge); Salty Rootz (Liquid Joes); Royal Bliss (Port O’ Call); Thunderfist (Egos)

nnMonday 2/6nn

Mute Math, The Annuals (Kilby Court); Rosehill Drive (Egos); Hellow Snow Tour (Suede, Park City)

nnTuesday 2/7nn

SOULS OF MISCHIEF Tight hip-hop acts deserve to be heard in an intimate setting'especially when they can still get away with it. Unlike the Roots, Oakland’s Souls of Mischief aren’t huge enough to pack new shiny venues near outdoor malls. Which isn’t to suggest they’re not talented enough to merit superstar status. SOM are wicked lyricists spewing socially conscious lines that reflect well upon their Hieroglyphics family, attracting audiences who hunger for new material. It might be a long wait, considering their last album hit the streets in 2000. Maybe they’ll unveil some stealth tracks tonight? The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Info: 746-0557, MySpace.com/TheUrban Lounge.

nnWednesday 2/8nn

Hell Within (Club BoomVa, Ogden); Railroad Earth (Suede, Park City)

nnCOMING UPnn

Hot Buttered Rum String Band (Suede, Feb. 10). Mi & L’au (Urban Lounge, Feb. 13). Reggie & the Full Effect (Kilby Court, Feb. 15). Wheatus (Club BoomVa, Feb. 15). Relient K (In the Venue, Feb. 17). Less Than Jake, Rock & Roll Soldiers (In the Venue, Feb. 17). Big Business (Kilby Court, Feb. 18). The Skirt Chasers (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Feb. 18). Ska Brawl 2006 (Avalon, Feb. 21). Aceyalone (Urban Lounge, Feb. 21). Big Head Todd & the Monsters (Suede, Feb. 25). Low (In the Venue, Feb. 27). Matt Pond PA (In the Venue, Feb. 27). Armor for Sleep (Avalon, Feb. 27).