Monday 8.27
Talib Kweli
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
The Brooklyn MC's latest album features cameos from some of the most successful artists around, including Justin Timberlake, Norah Jones and Kanye West. Don't expect any of them to show up tonight, but do expect some powerful rhyming from the less-publicized half of Black Star. DJ Chaps and Rob Dz open.
Tuesday 8.28
Irie Sol
High Noon Saloon, 6 pm
An admixture of jazz horns, reggae and hip-hop beats, and high, soulful vocals makes these dance-floor mavens worth hearing. Kieran & the Plague and comedian David Freeman also appear.
Bill Lueders
Borders West, 7 pm
Isthmus' news editor discusses his book Cry Rape, a harrowing account of a rape victim's ordeal in the Madison justice system. The book has received national attention and prompted the city to offer the victim an apology and restitution.
Wednesday 8.29
Jazz at Five
State Street and the Capitol Square, 5 pm
This week's free outdoor concert features Hammond B-3 groovesmith Tony Monaco, a national figure who plays with the intensity of his legendary mentor Jimmy Smith. Local singer Lynette Margulies gets things started with her own passionate pipes.
Clovis Mann
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
The local blues-rock history buffs and some special guests re-create the Allman Brothers' legendary Fillmore concert in its entirety.
Thursday 8.30
Twilight Tour
Starting at House of Wisconsin Cheese, 107 State St., 6 pm
The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation sponsors this tour of State Street, covering architectural styles and local history from the 1850s to the present. Afterwards, you get a free drink at the Orpheum Lobby Restaurant, where you can discuss the finer points of gentrification.
Houston Calls
Loft in the Lussier Teen Center, 7 pm
Since the New Jersey pop-punks call Drive-Thru Records home, it's no surprise that they're peppy as all get-out.
Tony Brown & the 608 Riddim Section
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
Well-traveled local reggae vet Tony Brown debuts material from a new CD with help from some of the area's most skillful players.