Monday 2.4
Emery
Majestic Theatre, 6 pm
The Seattle band don't make a big deal of their Christian faith, but it does explain the earnest quality of their breathlesss screamo and pop. Mayday Parade, As Cities Burn, Pierce the Veil and Cry of the Afflicted fill out a long evening of touring pop-punk acts.
Jeff Cesario
Heritage Hall at Camp Randall, 1440 Monroe St., 6:30 pm
The UW grad broke into the standup-comedy big time with his Tonight Show appearances in the 1980s, and he's still a major talent. He contributes to a benefit for Gilda's Club, which also includes food, wine and appearances by Barry Alvarez and Brett Bielema.
Tuesday 2.5
Lube
Club Tavern, 5 pm
With a sheaf of cover tunes that range from '80s hair metal to "Disco Inferno," Lube's a logical choice for the Club's annual Mardi Gras party. Super Tuesday opens.
An Instinct for Light
Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Opening and gallery talk: 7 pm
This exhibition celebrates the life and work of photojournalist Robert J. Ellison, who covered the Vietnam War, the Selma march and other key '60s events before dying on assignment at 23.
Wednesday 2.6
Teenage Rehab
Annex, 8 pm
Teenage Rehab's growling, sing-along hardcore isn't complex, but the tempos are quick enough to fuel a healthy aerobic workout. Fellow travelers Middle Class Trash, Kill Jr., the Skintones and the Gusto open.
The Blind Shake
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
The Twin Cities band work up some pretty forceful old-school noise-rock. Get there early for tour mates Birthday Suits. Kitty Rhombus also appears.
Thursday 2.7
Robert McDonald and Pro Arte Quartet
Mills Hall in the UW Humanities Bldg., 7:30 pm
McDonald is a pianist who's won a gold medal at the Busoni International Competition and accompanied Isaac Stern and Midori. In other words, he can play. He performs Frank Bridge's "Piano Quintet" with the UW's Pro Arte Quartet, which also contributes works by Haydn and Boccherini.
Frances Smith Foster
Wisconsin Historical Society Auditorium, 7:30 pm
The Emory University professor discusses the antebellum African American press, focusing on issues of love, marriage and sexual morality.
Dark Star Orchestra
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
You gotta figure even the remaining members of the Grateful Dead don't remember half of the historical set lists that Dark Star Orchestra re-creates with loving care. Of course, a lot of the Heads most certainly do.
Roots Collective
Crystal Corner Bar, 7:30 pm
Reggae, breezy island grooves and a soupon of funk and fusion are on the menu at this dance-happy benefit for the Wil Mar Neighborhood Food Pantry. Bring a nonperishable food item for reduced cover charge.
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and Will Hoge
High Noon Saloon, 8:30 pm
Muscle Shoals still figures in Isbell's work, but the fresh-faced country/rock troubadour also shows off an appealing reflective side in his post-Drive-By Truckers output. Spirited Nashville rocker Will Hoge co-headlines; Dawn Landes also appears.
VAST
Annex, 9 pm
Electronic rock wunderkind Jon Crosby now pitches VAST as a soulful hybrid of Depeche Mode and the Moody Blues. "I Am a Vampire" qualifies as the goth groove of the year. White Light Riot and Submarine Race open.
Le Concorde
Café Montmartre, 9:30 pm
With production help from Scritti Politti's David Garrison, Stephen Becker has put together a couple collections of low-key, synth-enhanced indie pop that should translate well live. Patchwork and Sleeping in the Aviary open.
