Monday, July 21
Farewell Flight at Canal Club
From the capital of Pennsylvania to the capital of Virginia, Farewell Flight is hard rock with a piano, kind of like an Amishman with a lava lamp. Local heavies Culdera, and The Secret Cool and Asleep at the Bottom of the Sea are also on the bill. $8 at the door. The show starts sensibly at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22
Natasha Bedingfield at The National
Let's face it, sooner or later being the biggest selling pop artist in Britain is like democracy without freedom.You have to face the dragon, the fickle US market. If anyone can do it, Bedingfield can -- she's better looking than a CNN moistie and she can sing. Cage match with Christina in the works. Tickets $20 in advance, $22.50 day of show. Showtime 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23
The Hotdamns at Bandito's
What do you say when your lover has fled with your wallet, your snakeskin boots and your Hank Williams boxset? But then you realize that karma is a bitch, that Hank's ghost will haunt them in his phantom Cadillac and that their reckoning will soon be at hand? What do you say? You raise your voice to the full moon -- Hot Damn! 9 p.m. Free.
Idina Menzel at The National
Of all her achievements -- Broadway star, dancer, actress, singer-songwriter -- perhaps the most impressive is that Ray Charles asked her to sing a duet with him. It's as close as someone can come in the world of music to being blessed. General admission tickets $20. 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 24
Trace Adkins at Innsbrook
Most interesting: Adkins lost a finger in an oil rig accident, and asked that it be re-attached at an angle so he could continue to play guitar. Less interesting: He's been stabbed and beaten a few times in barroom brawls. Completely irrelevant: his second wife shot him in the heart. Oh, and blame him for popularizing the term 'badonkadonk' (look it up yourself). Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 6 p.m.
Friday, July 25
Christine Gibson Memorial Concert at the Canal Club
If you are talking about Richmond Punk from the Old School, you'd better mention Beex if you don't want to sound like an ignatz. Beex was fronted by vocalist and punk queen Christine Gibson. Tragically, Gibson died in December 2007, due to complications from her struggle with breast cancer. She was only 55. Tonight's show is a tribute to Gibson, with footage of the singer fronting her band, and her remaining bandmates playing Beex songs. Honky tonkers Buttercup, Jonathon the Juggler and the Deviltones will also be appearing. This is an all ages show. Tickets $5 at the door. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Amos Lee at The National
Philadelphia soul is a fine thing, and maybe hasn't gotten as much attention as say Detroit or Memphis soul. Philly's Amos Lee is staking his claim as the city's favorite singer and songwriter with his blend of blues, soul and folk. Touring behind his latest Blue Note Records release. Priscilla Ahn opens the show. Tickets $15. Showtime 9 p.m.
The Pack AD at Poe's Pub
These two shy and retiring ladies stomp the blues into submission on their newest record. This is their second visit to our fair city, and be warned, you'll feel bad about yourself if you miss this show. If you like the White Stripes, Black Keys, defying death and coffee spiked with Jack Black you will like the Pack AD. 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 26
Foxy Brown at Toad's Place
Jay-Z took her under his wing when she was but 16. She learned quickly and became a star. Since then, she's done her best to emulate badboy male rappers. There've been fights, altercations with other artists, jail time and a lot of mouthing off. But those naughty lyrics and her provocative fashion sense fuel men's feverish dreams. Tickets are $25. Showtime 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 27
Old 97s at Toad's Place
After fifteen years, they no longer have anything to prove. This has freed them to make the best music of their career. Some call it alt-country but those people should probably be avoided at all costs. Just call it good. With Sleepercar and The Cut Off opening. Tickets are $18. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Slack Family Bluegrass at Legend Brewing Co.
The unspoken mission of Legend's Sunday music series is to better prepare you for Monday morning. That means humming some bluegrass while nursing an aching head.
6:30 p.m. Free.