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I regrettably missed local metal horde Thou plumb the depths of Black Sabbath's catalog at the North Gate Tavern, but I did witness a leaner, tighter Harlan debut the songs off their soon-to-be-released second album, Spiderette. The band seemed more streamlined than in the past, and it serves John Norris' encyclopedic, scintillating pop well. His songs are rife with references to music criticism and bands from past 20 years, less a pastiche than it is an assimilation of influences and experiences. In other words: smart music from a smart band. Equally smart was the opening solo acoustic set by Kevin Hurstell (Slobot, Otasco), whose material is the right mix of wordiness and charm needed to captivate a whole room with just a guitar.

Speaking of charm, Paul Burch, one of the finest singers around, extolling to the high countrypolitan virtues of heartbreak and lechery better than any actual country singer around, will be swinging into Chelsea's this week, as will a full night of Southern groove with The Dynamites, Topaz and The Greyhounds. If you prefer your rock 'n' roll howled with drunken abandon, Ladyhawk promises to make reckless use of their bar tab and your eardrums at Spanish Moon. Boudreaux & Thibodeaux's has started a series of zydeco dance lessons every Wednesday night, but if you are looking for something completely different, Kid Midi will be available at the North Gate Tavern to blow your mind with his backstage-at-the-circus, metal/electro-pop extravaganza.

Wednesday, May 14

Mike Foster Project at Chelsea's

Kid Midi and The Zero Order at North Gate Tavern

Rico & the Zydeco Connection at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux's

Thursday, May 15

ConCoCtion and David Loti at North Gate Tavern

The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker, Topaz and The Greyhounds at Chelsea's

Ryan Jenkins at Click's

Mary Lasang, Dana Abbott and Ruby Rendrag at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux's

Friday, May 16

Paul Burch at Chelsea's

Kingsquare and Rinosaur at North Gate Tavern

Here Is Why, Save the Last Bullet and Myka, Relocate at Click's

Eric Baskin and Real Time with Ernest Scott at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux's

Long Neck Society at Phil Brady's

Randy Pavlock at Teddy's Juke Joint

Saturday, May 17

Northern State at Spanish Moon

New Orleans Jazz Vipers at Chelsea's

Sludge Fest at North Gate Tavern with The Way*High Men and Blower Motor

Stereoside with Echo Valve and Midnight to Twelve at Click's

Kenny Acosta & the House Reckers at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux's

The UPressors at Phil Brady's

JJ Callier at Teddy's Juke Joint

Tuesday, May 20

Ladyhawk at Spanish Moon

A District of Evolution and Evangelina at North Gate Tavern