CL previews upcoming concerts (June 29-July 4) 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29

THE FAREWELL MONUMENT Properly composed instrumental music can elevate the listener, despite the lack of a human voice. Add improvisational forays into angular alleys and loops and you've got N.C.'s The Farewell Monument. The combo contorts delayed sounds, guitar licks, strumming, jazzy percussion and effects into a spacey and experimental world. Playing with the like-minded bands Comrades, Shy Low, and 3X!13. $6-$9. The Milestone. www.themilestoneclub.com. (Samir Shukla)

WISEBIRD Wisebird, a crew of Austin-ites, honors its home state with Southern blues and soul. It's not a ground-breaking sound they have, but the throwback tones could remarkably turn a venue into a rustic barroom. They're lacking the ridiculous outfits and self-indulgent solos of blues-based rock (see: Aerosmith), and what's left is only the goods: a blend of throaty vocals, gospel organs, and sneering electric slide guitar. That doesn't mean Wisebird is a simple band — tunes can change time signatures and tone at the tip of a hat. Get your share of soul a few days before Sunday. $8. Double Door Inn. www.doubledoorinn.com. (Tommy Werner)

THURSDAY, JUNE 30

CHARLIE FAYE Faye's desert folk is informed by her base, the musical fertile crescent of Austin. She writes passionately, to be sure, as showcased by the country-tinged rockers that cozy up to her ballads. She's touring in support of her upcoming release Travels with Charlie, a multi-hued result of her month-long residencies in 10 different towns. With John Dungan. $8. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com. (Shukla)

FRIDAY, JULY 1

THE BLACKHOUNDS So what's wrong with solidly written and performed songs that channel Americana and classic, time-tested rock 'n' roll? Nothing fancy here, no tricks up the sleeves as these regional rockers crank the amps, howl into the mic and churn out rockers and bluesy ballads. $8. Double Door Inn. www.doubledoorinn.com. (Shukla)

THE VON EHRICS Texas-based band combines elements of country within its furious punk style. There are hints of rockabilly here, but it's a bit grittier — it's good ol' shit-kicking music. Referred to as whiskey-slinging cowboys, the band is currently on tour supporting its latest album, Two Foot Stomp. With Dirty South Revolutionaries and The Letdowns. $6-$9. 9 p.m. The Milestone. www.themilestoneclub.com. (Jeff Hahne)

SATURDAY, JULY 2

WEEKENDERS Mashing up elements of "Sweater Song"-era Weezer, MC5 jams and insert retro garage rock favorites here, this Charlotte trio doesn't fuck around with needless subtleties or nuance. Their 2010 release, the seven-song teaser I Want You (Kinnikinnik Records), was a catchy and promising 18-minute tour through the band's influences. This gig is a fundraiser for the August Recess Fest (Google the RF blogspot and luxuriate in the killer lineup), but stands on its own as a fine Friday night out. With Luz, the Have and the Have Nots, and Veda Woolf. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com. (John Schacht)

SUNDAY, JULY 3

11TH ANNUAL PLAZA MIDWOOD PIG PICKIN' Is there anything more awesome our nation has gifted the world than rock music? I think not, Osama. And is there a better Charlotte block party celebrating that fact than the Annual P-M Pig Pickin' hoedown? Again: "Nyet." If you're new to town, this is a great opp to hear some of the city's best acts while celebrating good ol' American over-indulgence with booze, BBQ, and stuff that explodes. So as the sun sets on our Empire and Lord of the Flies times approach, rock out and wave your sparklers till Wall Street sticks you on the spit (if they haven't already). Starring the Belmont Playboys, Temperance League, Sea of Cortez, the Aqualads and Modern Primitives. Free. 4 p.m. Gordon Street between Snug Harbor and The Diamond. (John "Founding Father" Schacht)

INDEPENDENT'S DAY EXPLOSION Charlotte's built a strong community of talented unsigned artists, and what better way to celebrate the freedom of Independence Day than toasting to the fact that none of them have to deal with label politics and bullshit. With more than a dozen acts slated to perform, including Mr. Invisible, Define Jones, Cutty Boi, Charles Herron, JJ Bass and more, it's your chance to see who's been plugging away toward their dream, deal or no deal. $10-$12. Amos' Southend. www.amossouthend.com. (Mike McCray)

LANGHORNE SLIM This Pennsylvania-born, Portland-based indie folk and soul artist can throw down on vocals, guitar, banjo or harmonica and has also toured with Charlotte's Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers and Cake, among others. His songwriting is acutely descriptive, overwhelmingly earnest. He aims for a gospel-like experience in every one of his live shows and will be part of three days of music and festivities at USNWC as they celebrate the holiday. Free. U.S. National Whitewater Center. www.usnwc.org. (McCray)

MONDAY, JULY 4

THE NEW FAMILIARS With a new album, Between the Moon and Morning Light, under their belts, Charlotte's New Familiars have been hitting the road hard. Fans know that every hometown appearance is a special one — especially since they don't happen too often. What better way to catch the Americana quartet than alongside the rapids of the Whitewater Center? They may have gotten a bit more plugged in, but the soul remains the same. Free. 4 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center. www.usnwc.org. (Hahne)