Monday, June 23
Daniel Johnston at The National
You can write a song about anything. People have. But not everyone should. Daniel Johnston should. And he does. He is a favorite of everyone from Tom Waits to Mark Linkous, with whom he has recorded. He is reported to be in failing health, and even in the best of times he's been unsteady. But if his many medications are all in alignment, he can still mesmerize an audience. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Dark Lotus at The National
This is what the kids in the suburbs are turning to for spiritual nourishment these days. Dark Lotus is a hip-hop supergroup comprising bands that celebrate Halloween all year long, including Insane Clown Posse and Twizted. Kaboom! With openers Haystack and Wolfpac. Tickets are $20; show at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25
Keller Williams at Innsbrook After Hours
Someone buy this man a pair of shoes. One of his trademarks, aside from being a one man jam band, is his aversion to footwear. Playing with his longtime friends and musical cohorts, the Yonder Mountain String Band. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 26
Paul Curreri at Ashland Coffee and Tea
Raised in Richmond with the ghosts of dead Confederate generals his only friends, Curreri has become equal parts poet and fierce guitarist. His fifth record is out and is brawling against mediocrity in all forms. $12 in advance, $17 day of show. 8 p.m.
Friday, June 27
Lambhandler at Wonderland
Lambhandler sounds like Blue Oyster Cult unleashed in the 21st century. Only with better hair and clothes and they have a shepherd's theme going that makes them a favorite of the Basque nation. 10 pm.
Nas at Fridays at Sunset at Kanawha Plaza
The man some call Nastradamus once made a proclamation that hip hop was dead. Long live hip-hop. His career, like his very public feuds with Jay-Z and 50 Cent, shows no sign of being moribund. $25 in advance, $30 day of show. 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 28
Elizabeth Cook at Ashland Coffee and Tea
She called her latest record "Balls" as in the song "Sometimes it Takes Balls to be a Woman." She might be the only country artist to appear on the Grand Ole Opry (many times in fact) and cover a Velvet Underground song. $16 if you buy early; $21 at the door. 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 29
You are faced with a stark choice tonight: Embrace the darkness or move toward the light. The choice is yours.
Blue Line Highway at Legend
Mix up bluegrass, folk, rock, country, shake and pour. Free. 6:30 p.m.
Summer Slaughter 2008 at The National
If we bottled up all the menace on tonight's bill, poured it into the nosecone of a Hellfire missle and used it against terrorists, we might stand a chance of actually winning. None will be left standing after this sonic onslaught. Defibrillators available upon request. Black Dahlia Murder headlines, with eight sinister bands supporting. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of show. This is an early show, starting at 4 p.m.