YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW Equal parts stage show, burlesque, the Chitlin Circuit, and The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Yard Dogs Road Show is what Tom Waits might be doing were he not comfortably ensconced in elderly LivingLegendLand. Mind you, the songs aren't at a Waitsian level (whose are?) and the music itself nowhere near as noisily unhinged. But it's a fun time, no less, which is good enough for your $10-20 these days. Neighborhood Theatre, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com (Timothy C. Davis)
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TERRIBLE THINGS Power punk-pop trio features indie stars Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday), Josh Eppard (Coheed & Cambria) and Andy Jackson (Hot Rod Circuit). The harmonizing vocals and rousing guitar chops from their previous bands converge into this solid new unit. Lyrically adept, the touring veterans write tunes filled with longing and angst and are touring their freshly released self-titled debut. Also on the bill are: Mae, Windsor Drive, and Bracing for Impact. $13-$15, Tremont Music Hall, www.tremontmusichall.com (Samir Shukla)
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UZUHI Japanese quartet, based in NYC, were a hardcore outfit out the gates in 2004. The rapid-fire guitar and speedy Japanese lyrics are still tossed about, but with the change in line-up a couple of years ago, Uzuhi now churn out its own version of acoustic punk, touched with keyboards, balladeering and even horns. Yes, it's musically all over the place, but in a charming sorta manner. With Marco Pollo and Summer Night Shade. $7-$9, Milestone, www.themilestoneclub.com (Shukla)