Monday 7.21
Dark Star Orchestra
Barrymore Theatre, 7:30 pm
The Deadhead favorite returns to present the set list from a historical Grateful Dead concert in its entirety. The dedicated archivists also employ a stage setup that's based on the configuration of amps and instruments the Dead used during the original show.
The Hold Steady
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
Much like Bruce Springsteen, Twin Cities transplant Craig Finn and the rest of the Brooklyn-based Hold Steady manage to make tear-in-your beer anthems, basic country rock and headlong barroom stompers rise far above their quotidian origins. The Loved Ones open.
Sourvein
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
The North Carolina doom merchants bite down on viscous, dirge-like metal that owes something to both Sabbath and Madison legends Killdozer. Their sonic sludge is so thick it's hard to tell whether or not they're joking. Aquilonian and the Killer Dolphin With Rabies also appear.
Tuesday 7.22
Ladybeard
High Noon Saloon, 6 pm
The reanimated post-punkers continue the celebration of Crustacean Records' new DVD by vibing up the cocktail crowd.
Colour Revolt
Annex, 8 pm
It's no surprise that the Fat Possum artists spend some time conjuring the devil on lowdown indie blues rock. But the Mississippians' artier, Radiohead-style atmospherics are an unexpected wrinkle. Javelins and the Felix Culpa open.
Kicksville
Majestic Theatre, 8 pm
A battalion of creative contributors have a part in Kicksville's multi-textured groove-athons. Expect global beat references, electronics and much more at this exuberant CD-release event. Foxy Veronica's Peach Pies open.
Wednesday 7.23
Concerts on the Square
Capitol Square, 7 pm
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra continues its pops series with a program called "String Fusion," featuring the string trio Time for Three and works by Bizet and Liszt.
Max Cannon
University Book Store-Hilldale, 7 pm
Cannon will discuss his syndicated indie comic strip "Red Meat," which is arguably even more twisted and existentially bleak than Matt Groening's "Life in Hell."
Bob Log III and Scott H. Biram
High Noon Saloon, 9 pm
Bob Log III's scratchy, discombobulated Delta blues and oddball stage outfit provoke smiles wherever he travels. He's joined by Biram, another hard-touring, punk-friendly bluesman. Left Lane Cruiser also appears.
Thursday 7.24
Richard Chamberlin
Wisconsin Veterans Museum, noon
The local author and Vietnam veteran reads from his memoir, Hitchhiking From Vietnam. It begins in Madison in 1975, when Chamberlin sets off on a spiritual quest laced with flashbacks to the war.
