Wednesday, September 3

August Burns Red at Canal Club

Central Pennsylvania is known for metal; I speak of aluminum and steel factories more than music. But Lancaster's August Burns Red is that oxymoronic thing, metalcore band that sings about Jesus. They got some funny ways up there. With A Skylit Drive, Sky Eats Airplane, Greely Estates, and This or The Apocalypse. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door. Showtime is 6 p.m.

Thursday, September 4

Matt Keating at The Camel

The sleeper show of the week. Keating is a New York songwriter with a bunch of critically acclaimed records to his credit. He's touring behind his new release "Quixotic." Also on the bill is Chris Masterson, who played with Jack Ingram, then switched to playing guitar for cult faves Son Volt. In his spare time, he writes some songs. It'll cost you $5 at the door. 8 p.m.

Friday, September 5

Hatebreed at Canal Club

About what you would expect from a band whose name prominently features the word "hate": ripping guitars, a drummer having an entire body seizure, in time, and very loud and fast guitars. Oh, and lyrics about being broken, beaten and stomped on by life, sung by a demon from the fifth ring of hell. Other bands on the bill: Emmure, Soilent Green, Halo of Locust, War of Ages and Catalepsy. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Showtime is 6 p.m.

NO BS Brass Band at The Camel

Back to School Party with the funkiest brass band in town. Your dancing skills will not be on the final exam. Cover is $5 at the door. 9 p.m.

Saturday, September 6

Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun at Ashland Coffee and Tea

Pounding on the gates of American music, Kirchen is the Titan of the Telecaster, which he refers to as The Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods. He went to high school with Iggy Pop and Bob Seger -- his music is best described as falling in between those two extremes. Tickets are $18 in advance, $23 at the door. Showtime at 8 p.m.

Irish Homecoming at the Modlin Center

All female Celtic ensemble Cherish the Ladies is joined by chanteuse Maura O'Connell for a night of songs from ye olde sod. Also appearing are singer Dermot Henry and dancers from the cast of Riverdance. This is the kickoff event of a new season at Modlin. Tickets are $38. There are performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 7

Johnsons Crossroads at The Triple

From the sound of things, the crossroads referred to here is the same one where Robert Johnson bartered his soul for guitar prowess. Only if it were located in the mountains of West Virginia. Kudos to The Triple for a string of good bookings. Cover is $5 at the door. Showtime 10 p.m.

Monday, September 8

Aimee Mann at The National

Gimlet of eye and clear of voice, Mann dissects human relationships with more alacrity than a high school aged male a frog in science class. She's also managed to make her own way in the industry by starting her own record label. Tickets are $15. Showtime at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, September 9

Wild Sweet Orange at the Canal Club

Bright eyed boys of the moment are Birmingham, Alabama's Wild Sweet Oranges, fronted by the impossibly named singer and songwriter Preston Lovinggood. They play TV show friendly rock. One of their songs appeared in an episode of  "Grey's Anatomy." Austin, Texas band What Makes Milwaukee Famous, RVA's Mason Brothers and Searching for Timothy are also on the bill. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Showtime at 7:30 p.m.