Thursday 1.11
ttMETAL CHURCH
tMetal Church: The name is self-explanatory, with a decades-old history complicated by an ever-changing lineup that nearly included Lars Ulrich, before he joined Metallica, plus a slew of guitarists, drummers, bassists and singers who failed to match founding member Kurdt Vanderhoof’s vision of grandiose thrash metal. The current lineup, powered by Ronnie Munroe’s operatic howl, rocks like Jack Black in his wildest fantasy. If 2006’s A Light in the Dark is any indication, Metal Church could easily beat the devil in a shred-off. Kamikazes, 2408 Adams Ave., Ogden, 8 p.m. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with Maliah Rage and Vadaath).
Also Thursday: Anchors for Arms (Project Audio Lounge, Bountiful); Tech N9ne (Great Saltair); My Morning Jacket (The Depot'see Music);
Friday 1.12
ttREVEREND HORTON HEAT, JUNIOR BROWN, LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS
tAny one of tonight’s three acts is well worth the price of admission. Oklahoma guitarist Junior Brown, whose lightning-fast fingers fuel catchy surf-guitar, country and blues jams about old flames, jealous wives and the highway patrol, teams up with American Gothic hell-raisers the Legendary Shack Shakers and rockabilly’s king prince the Reverend Horton Heat, a legend who confirms the seductive power of velvet vocals and a stand-up bass. Each artist deserves top billing, so don’t waste too much time on your greasy pompadour or ruby-red pout. Great Saltair, 12408 W. Saltair Dr., 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: KTix.net.
Also Friday: School of Rock: Best of the ’80s (The Circuit); Knuckledragger (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); SLUG Localized (Urban Lounge); Cosm (Monk’s); Subrosa (Broken Record'see Music)
Saturday 1.13
ttROBERT EARL KEEN
tWhen faced with the hypothetical, “Who would you rather have a beer with: Bush, Obama or Hilary?” more than 30 percent of polled Americans chose our fearless leader (never mind his history with booze). Me? I’d rather tie one on with alt-country/bluegrass artist Robert Earl Keen. Not only would the singer/songwriter keep me entertained with imaginative stories about Hank Williams in drag and real-life tales from countless days on the road, he’d likely have my back in a brawl or a nasty breakup. Loyal, down to earth and just wild enough to enhance the party, Keen is not only a top notch buddy, but a born performer whose latest release Live at The Ryman captures his ability to put the neighborhood block party back in auditoriums. Suede, 1612 Ute Blvd. (Kimball Junction), Park City, 9 p.m. Tickets: SmithsTix.com.
DIXIE DREGS
tPop-culture critic Chuck Klosterman recently observed that, thanks to homemade YouTube videos, the art of shredding is back. Good news for Dixie Dregs, a group whose jazz-rock fusion lives and dies on technical wizardry. If Klosterman’s theory is correct, younger audiences will soon appreciate Dregs guitarist Steve Morse and drummer Rod Morgenstein’s award-winning prowess. Noodling and extended jams will no longer be relegated to Bonnaroo, but honored in giant arenas by thousands of former TRL addicts. The Depot, 400 S. West Temple, 9 p.m. Tickets: DepotSLC.com.
- Also Saturday: School of Rock: Best of the ‘80s (The Circuit); Salt City Derby Girls Recruitment Party (Piper Down); Iota, Loiter Cognition (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); Pseudo Recordings Pseudopalooza: Blackhole, The Wolfs, Andale, Fuck the Informer (Urban Lounge)
Sunday 1.14
tt Afro Omega, Stereotype (Monk’s); The Wailers (Suede, Park City)
Monday 1.15
ttDEE DEE BRIDGEWATER
tJazz chanteuse Dee Dee Bridgewater is restoring America’s reputation in “Freedom Fry” France one love song at a time. The veteran performer'Bridgewater released her debut, Afro Blue, in 1974'recently recorded fresh takes on French standards including “La Vie En Rose” and “La Mer” as part of her continued affair with overseas culture. Her command of the language is impressive but one expects nothing less from a woman with two Grammys, a Tony and a Lawrence Oliver award on her shelf. For the singer, actress, humanitarian and radio host (tune into NPR’s JazzSet), music is a universal pleasure'wherever you call home. Sheraton City Center, 150 W. 500 South, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 278-0411.
Tuesday 1.16
ttX-DANCE PRE-FESTIVAL PARTY
tDespite Hollywood’s increasing hold on Sundance, the film festival remains a treasured celebration of independent works by inspiring writers, directors, producers and artists. For the athletes who graciously lend their outdoor playground to fur-clad Los Angelinos and New Yorkers for one week every year, the only festival that matters is X-Dance Action Sports Film Festival. Help kick off the celebration of adrenaline culture with a pre-party featuring DJ Taiwan On, drink specials and product giveaways. Remember: If it’s not X-Dance, the kids don’t want your revolution. Jackalope Lounge, 372 S. State, 9 p.m. Info: 359-0854.
Also Tuesday: Scenic Byway (Urban Lounge); Jesse Dayton (Suede, Park City)
COMING UP
ttBowling for Soup (In the Venue, Jan. 18). Bouncing Souls (Suede, Jan 18). The Album Leaf (Urban Lounge, Jan. 19). Devotchka (Suede, Jan. 23). Hell’s Belles (Suede, Jan. 24). Broken Teeth (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Jan. 27). Digable Planets (Suede, Jan. 27). Slayer (Great Saltair, Jan. 30). Heartless Bastards (Kilby Court, Jan. 30). The Fray (McKay Events Center, Jan. 31). Dr. Octagon/Kool Keith (Urban Lounge, Feb. 3). Everclear (The Depot, Feb. 6). Jack’s Mannequin (In the Venue, Feb. 8). Afroman (Suede, Feb. 17).
