Thursday 7.5
ttFOLK FEST AMERICAN REVIVAL
ttIn case you live in a hole'or maybe Sandy'be advised that good things are taking place along 300 South in downtown Salt Lake City. From independent record stores (Slowtrain) to crafts boutiques (Frosty Darling), clothing stores (Redemption Department, Model.Citizen), private clubs (The Tavernacle, Junior’s) and a coffee shop (Nobrow), at least part of our city is rising in a positive direction. Broadway resident Red Light Books is no exception. Over the past few months, owners of the corner store and community-event space have really kicked things into gear, booking touring and local bands, hosting art exhibits and throwing vegan soft-serve ice cream parties. Check out the haps today with Bob Moss, Russ Daniels and Jeppa Hall as part of Folk Fest American Revival. Red Light Books, 179 E. 300 South, 5 p.m. All-ages. Info: 355-1755

Also Thursday: Robert Earl Keen, Sarah Borges (Gallivan Center'see Music, p. 50); Lola Ray (Starry Night, Provo); Del the Funky Homosapien (Urban Lounge)

Friday 7.6
ttMARTY KASTELER BENEFIT: ROUND 1
ttThanks to online bulletins and word-of-mouth updates, many downtown residents are aware of the misfortune of Marty Kasteler, a piercer at KOI piercing who was run down by a white delivery van on June 17 while riding his bike with his wife Nikki. The driver has not been found, but an outpouring of support has resulted in several benefit shows to help offset the costs of Marty’s medical procedures. He faces a long road to recovery, but with various concerts, car washes and art exhibits being organized on his behalf the path is easier to navigate. Tonight, join Cub Country’s Jeremy Chatelain for an evening of good tunes, fine coffee and treats in the first of several benefit performances. For more info, stay tuned and visit HelpMarty.com. Nobrow Coffee & Tea, 315 E. 300 South, 6 p.m. All-ages. Info: 364-3448

Also Friday: Vilma Palma (Club Karamba'see Music, p. 52); Lola Ray (Monk’s); 38 Special & Car Show (Logan Cache County Fairgrounds); Grand opening weekend (Addicted Café); Blue Öyster Cult/Foghat (The Canyons, Park City); Salt Lake City Int’l Jazz Festival (Washington Square'see Go Daddy-O, p. 50)

Saturday 7.7
ttVANS WARPED TOUR
ttIt’s that time again: Grab your sunscreen and shades, sensible walking shoes (Vans, perhaps?) and prepare for a day of mostly contemporary punk, pop-punk, some old-school punk and a little bit of hip-hop, because eight hours at the Fairpark is punishing enough and diversification won’t hurt you, I swear. Don’t miss Bad Religion, Tiger Army, The Used (to see local drummer Dan Whitesides) and Yellowcard (electric violin is the new keytar). Utah State Fairpark, 155 N. 1000 West, 11 a.m. All-ages. Tickets: 800-888-8499

BATTLES
ttBattles are a math-rock band on acid. “Atlas,” for example, is an intricate composition with relentless bouncy-ball drums and munchkins taunting not unlike a David Lynch/Tim Burton collaboration. All that from a sample used by Marilyn Manson and Kasabian! Other technical, but fanciful, tracks evoke Charlie Chaplin trapped in a time-keeping mechanism or a giant motherboard overheating while someone’s guitar weeps in a not-at-all-gentle manner. If that’s not enough incentive, consider this: Salt Lake City’s The Tremula is coming out of retirement and tonight is their ultimate comeback. The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Tickets: 24Tix.com

Sunday 7.8
ttRicky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Red Rock Rondo (Red Butte Garden); Under Byen (Urban Lounge)

Tuesday 7.10
ttCHICAGO AFROBEAT PROJECT
ttChicago Afrobeat Project deliver the spirit of dancing in the streets on a sweltering summer day in urban America. Kids splashing in fire hydrant water, older residents perched in their windows and a large collective of vibrant musicians grooving to the beat of keys, full percussion and horn sections, and guitar. The 7- to 14-piece ensemble brings the old-school Fela Kuti flavor to original hybrids of funk, hip-hop and Western jazz. Honoring both the musical and political footsteps that lead to their creation, project members work to advance efforts by organizations including Journalists Against AIDS Nigeria. The Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Tickets: 24Tix.com

GO MOTION
ttOmaha, once ruled by Saddle Creek Records corn-fed indie royalty (Bright Eyes, Cursive, Rilo Kiley before they hit the majors), is beginning to look and sound a lot like the rest of the country'which is to say, struck by a tidal new-wave. Upbeat bands in skinny jeans who channel the moody romantics of stylish ’80s hipsters but kick it up a notch with speed-freak guitars are growing in strength and numbers. Go Motion is one such band. The Nebraska band’s debut album Kill the Love is spastic, melodic and just detached enough to avoid the cheesy and earnest pitfalls that killed the Killers. They’ve got rhythm, which is great, because wouldn’t it be nice to see kids dancing instead of loafing around with their arms crossed like disinterested zombies at a middle-school dance. Burt’s Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State, 10 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499

Also Tuesday: Stage Sessions (Club Vegas); Burning Brides (Liquid Joe’s)

Wednesday 7.11
ttRADEMACHER
ttI don’t hear it. People keep talking about Rademacher’s lead singer Malcom Sosa and how his voice reminds them of Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus. Malkmus is a quirky, lanky skater dude with an atonal voice and deadpan delivery that makes artsy kids feel better about being outcasts and jocks feel better about their secret desire to make-out with the artsy kids. Sosa is far less subtle, as is the group’s overall aesthetic. If we continue the high-school clique comparisons, Rademacher are more suited for the drama club set. Sosa’s urgent, trembling voice, paired with dense keys and brooding guitar, is pretty and none too subtle. It’s also wonderfully imperfect, which could explain the Malkmus theories. Go hear it for yourself. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m.

Also Wednesday: Calico (Anderson-Foothill Library); Hot Tuna (The Depot); Weedeater, Eagle Twin (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)

COMING UP
ttGalactic, JJ Grey & Mofro (Gallivan Center, July 12); Chris Cornell, Juliette & The Licks (The Depot, July 13); The Neville Brothers (Red Butte Garden, July 13); School of Rock All-Star Show (Columbus Community Center, July 14); Rasputina (Suede, July 14); Boat (Monk’s, July 15); Rusted Root (The Depot, July 16); EOTO (Star Bar, July 16); Lee Scratch Perry (The Depot, July 17); Cary Brothers (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, July 19); Yo La Tengo, Fiery Furnaces (Gallivan Center)