Steep Canyon Rangers
First United Methodist Church, 8 pm
You may know this North Carolina bluegrass combo as the band accompanying comedy great Steve Martin on his recent banjo excursions. They're also fine pickers in their own right.
Nic Cowan
Regent Street Retreat Stage, 9 pm
This Zac Brown protégé hits the campus-area stage with his soulful Southern rock sound. With Brian Collins Band, Mojo Radio.
Vaski
Majestic Theatre, 9 pm
This purveyor of electro-driven dubstep has left his Minneapolis home to introduce three continents to his latest sonic creations. Remind him why the Midwest rules as he turns the Majestic into a riot of beats and bass.
Yelawolf
Barrymore Theatre, 9 pm
In addition to collaborating with rhyme-slinging celebs like Eminem and Missy Elliott, this energetic rapper has recently appeared on the small screen with singer Christina Milian, in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. See if the gig has bolstered his stage presence. With Carnage the Executioner, Sincere Life and DJ Vilas Park Sniper.
Dave Alvin & the Guilty Men, Sam Llanas
High Noon Saloon, 9:30 pm
After a set by BoDeans album Sam Llanas, Alvin showcases his latest album, Eleven Eleven, which is a guitar-powered fusion of country blues, mountain tunes and catchy lyrics.
Steez
UW Union South Sett, 11:55 pm
This funk-loving five-piece just finished recording a new album at Blast House Studios, which they're bound to preview at this free, all-ages dance party.
Saturday 3.3
NOTEWORTHY: L.A. cops beat Rodney King, 1991.
International Festival
Overture Center, 11 am-5 pm
Overture stages its wondrous, free annual event, which celebrates Madison's diverse cultures with food, a craft bazaar and seven stages hosting dozens of local acts representing world traditions, from Atimevu Drum & Dance to Zaibas Lithuanian Dancers.
Michael Smith
Rainbow Bookstore, 2 pm
The attorney and author discusses the book he wrote with Michael Rattner, Who Killed Che? How the CIA Got Away with Murder, which says the Johnson administration had a hand in the death of the famous revolutionary.
Oakwood Chamber Players
Oakwood Village-West Auditorium, 7 pm. Also Sunday, March 4, UW Arboretum Visitor Center, 1:30 pm
The local ensemble performs music of Charles De Wailly (1730-1798), Heinrich von Herzogenberg (1843-1900), and Gwyneth Walker (1947-) in a program called "Aubade."
The Brew
Redamte Coffee House, 7:30 pm
This quartet of Massachusetts dwellers stops by State Street's newest java joint to show off their new drummer and serve up their latest blend of radio-friendly pop and rock, a three-disc collection called Triptych. With Matthew Santos.
Riders in the Sky
Stoughton Opera House, 7:30 pm
These Grammy-winning cowboys reach deep into the western tradition, drawing inspiration from folks like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers as they woo ears and tickle funny bones.
Gabriel Iglesias
Wisconsin Union Theater, 8 pm
The comic brings his "I'm not fat...I'm fluffy" shtick to the big campus stage.
Yonder Mountain String Band
Orpheum Theatre, 8:30 pm
In addition to playing progressive bluegrass, this lively ensemble has started organizing music festivals that have drawn big-name performers such as Béla Fleck and Railroad Earth. Hit this show to see what they've learned from their idols.
Banner Pilot, Kurt Baker
Frequency, 9 pm
Fans of Dillinger Four and Jawbreaker can get their punk fix as this quartet of bookish lads unfurl their newest album, Collapser. Crooner Kurt Baker warms up the stage with tunes influenced by melody masters like Elvis Costello and Joey Ramone. With Masked Intruder and #9 Hard.
Faux Firs, Solitary Ape, Animals in Human Attire
Dragonfly Lounge, 9:30 pm
Three fur-themed Wisconsin bands join forces to warm rock fans in the cool confines of Bellini's basement.
Sunday 3.4
NOTEWORTHY: John Lennon suggests Beatles "are more popular than Jesus," 1966.
Justin Roberts & the Not Ready For Naptime Players
High Noon Saloon, 1 pm
Chicago-based singer and songwriter Roberts performs pleasant, indie-rock-inflected kids' music (kindie music, in the parlance). Tunes like "Stay-At-Home Dad" prove he has his finger on the pulse of parenting trends.
Renee D'Aoust
A Room of One's Own, 2 pm
The dancer and author, who trained at the Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance, talks about her new book, Body of a Dancer, about the wild world of New York-based modern dance in the 1990s.
Robert Sarazin Blake
Indie Coffee, 7 pm
Though he hails from Bellingham, Wash., this folky speed strummer will fit right in here in Madison as he spikes his tunes with punk, Celtic rock and lyrics that celebrate the tenets of modern-day anarchism.
