Monday, July 14
Less Than Jake at Toad's Place
Who knew ska would survive into the 21st century? Five guys from Gainesville Florida did. They shucked out of their major label contract and started putting out their own records. Let that be a lesson to you. With Big D and Kids Table and Suburban Legends opening. All ages show. Tickets $18.50 in advance, $20 day of show. 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 15
St. Mary's Wilderness at Artist Underground Café
What better place for shoegazing indie rock than underground, where there is little light and the worms eye you hungrily. There's a song in there somewhere. With At the Stars. $2. 8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16
Corey Smith at Toad's Place
He may be from Georgia, and some call him country, but he sounds like he's listened to a lot of jam bands. Shane Hines and the Trance opens. All ages show. Tickets $12 in advance, $14 day of show. 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 17
Dokken at Toad's Place
"I need to know/ Are we living in a picture show/ That these feelings that we fear are black and white/ I feel like I'm coming to/ The point of no return." Don Dokken, he's still got it. Charm City Devils and Twisted Tower Dire are first. All ages. $20 in advance, $25 day of show. 8 p.m.
Friday, July 18
Boyz II Men at Kanawha Plaza
After selling over 60 million (say it with me, sixtee millyun) records they are men indeed. From the mean streets of Philadelphia, B II M have now slimmed down to a trio. For their newest record they used players from the old Motown stable. Ladies, commence swooning. Tickets $20. 6:30 p.m.
The Machine (Pink Floyd Tribute) at The National
Still miffed over getting so stoned you missed that Pink Floyd show at the Coliseum in 1983? Your time is here. The Machine is the (yes there is more than one) best Pink Floyd tribute band, playing faithful renditions of the bands songs, complete with lights and maybe even those floating pigs. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 day of show. 8 p.m.
Duck Baker at VCU Singleton Center for the Performing Arts
Baker is from Richmond, which no doubt explains his fingerpicking prowess on the six string, or so we all like to think. Another show in the Guitar and Other Strings series presented by VCU. Tickets are $10. 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 19
Dick Butt Kiss and the Tight Ends at Poe's Pub
Ah, the good old days when harmonies meant a swinging foursome and the songs were about willies. Richmond's most infamous purveyors of raunch and roll. If you don't like songs about penises, dirty sex, being horny and sturgeon, you might want to skip this. Otherwise, bring the noise, and make sure to shower after the show. $5 at the door. 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 20
Sugar Hollow Ramblers at Forest Hill Park
Who needs a smoky club, five dollar beers and smelly bathrooms? Come see music al fresco on the Southside. This is part of Sunday's in the Park at Forest Hill Park. Family activities run from noon to 4 p.m. with bluegrass until 6 p.m. Free.
All Time Low at The National
This is what the kids are listening to nowadays -- model quality young men playing guitar pop for their girlies. This show is sure to be awash in youthful mating rituals. With Hit the Lights. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 6:30 p.m.