CL previews upcoming concerts (April 6-12) 

JON WAYNE AND THE PAIN Over a set of irresistible beats Jon Wayne and The Pain are taking their Sublime-esque sound and making it their own. The Minneapolis quartet offers a unique mixture of reggae, rock and a hint of funk to keep dance floors packed with their Dub-step experimentation. $7. Double Door Inn. www.doubledoorinn.com. (Johnathan Cruse)

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

HARRIS EISENSTADT This N.Y.C.-based percussionist's pages-long C.V. includes records and play-dates with everybody from Yusef Lateef and Sam Rivers to Nels Cline and Les Claypool; compositions for independent and Hollywood soundtracks; Mandika drum studies in Gambia and performances with musicians from Bali, Ghana, Iran and Morocco; works with the Lincoln Center's jazz education series, and way too much more to include in this paragraph. His ensemble's new record, Canada Day II, is another dazzling foray into the space between trad jazz and open-ended improv: Vibes-shaded beats shifting dreamily from one time-sig to another while melodies, loosely tethered, glide over and around them, and occasionally through fields of dissonance. With locals Great Architect, likely debuting new adventures from their upcoming LP, Cultural Games. $5 donations. Dialect Design. www.dialectdesign.com. (John Schacht)

FUTUREBIRDS It's a bit jarring when a strolling acoustic number bursts into psychedelic noise, guitars blazing in feedback and reverb. Futurebirds weave such songs rooted in country and rock. Could it be the birth of psychedelic honky-tonk? The Athens sextet channels Dylan or even The Band, but are quite original in their strumming and composing chops. The band's new EP is due in mid April. $10. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com. (Samir Shukla)

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

GARETH ASHER & THE INFANTRY The Georgia-born singer-songwriter grew up on funk, rock and soul before he ever started crafting any Southern soul and rock of his own. Drawing comparisons to heavyweights like Ray Charles and John Lennon, his album takes electric guitars and driving rhythm coupling those with strings by members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Gabrahm Vitek is also on the bill. $8. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com. (Mike McCray)

JUNIOR BROWN Brown can time-travel to a honky-tonk in the '50s and the beer-swilling denizens wouldn't lift an eye, because his drawling baritone and quivering twang fit right into those environs. Of course, when they get a peek at Brown's personal creation, the "guit-steel," a double-necked combo of electric guitar and lap steel, those glazed eyeballs would surely squint in puzzlement. Thankfully, Brown lives among us and is rarely in a rush with crooning and playing that's been his signature for nearly two decades. The Wiggle Wagons will open. $20-$30. Neighborhood Theatre. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com. (Shukla)

ELONZO The growth curve for this young Rock Hill group led by Jeremy Davis has been impressive. From tentative and often formless folk rock a couple of years back to its highly accomplished sophomore effort, the recently released A Letter to a Friend, Elonzo has matured into a valid contender for the next great rural-flavored Carolinas' rock act. The record's 10 songs curry enough indie elements to keep it from all the usual roots rock clichés, including richly variegated textures and some choruses enormous enough to require your participation. With North Elementary, Organos, and Anna Bullard. $5. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com. (John Schacht)

8TH ANNUAL CASH BASH Paying tribute to Johnny Cash has been an annual event for a number of Charlotte and area bands and one helluva party. Friday features Truckstop Preachers, The Tremors, The Defilers, Skye Paige and JT and the Dragpipes. Saturday features The Straight 8s, The Bo Stevens, John Howie Jr., Kelly & The Cowboys and Hearts & Daggers. $10. 8 p.m. Puckett's Farm Equipment. www.puckettsfarm.com. (Jeff Hahne)

Saturday, April 9

THE AVETT BROTHERS It's been two years since The Avett Brothers last performed for a hometown crowd, but don't think they've been forgotten. With rising popularity and a recent appearance on the Grammys, the group is continuing down a strong road of success. Who knows if any surprises are in store... but does it matter? Welcome home, guys! With Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. SOLD OUT. Bojangles' Coliseum. www.bojanglescoliseum.com. (Hahne)

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

THE LESSER PAULS This Charlotte indie trio has performed alongside local favorites like Andy the Doorbum but have an exciting live show of their own. They really fit a lot into a small space. Songs that are fast, slow, hypnotic, intense, it's really interesting. They've rocked Snug before, watch them do it again. Laura Stevenson & The Cans and Blossoms are also on the bill. $5. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com. (McCray)

SPARK TO INFERNO Hey, why aren't these guys all over the radio? This Baltimore crew twists crisp guitar riffs into songs that catch the ear with the opening notes. The guitars sound as if looking for a fight, but the ensuing interplay works nicely. The new track "Tastes Like Lazers" can scrap with about any tune getting regular rotation on alterna-rock stations. Also on the bill are Monarchist, Pig Mountain, Grass, and Machete! $6-$8. The Milestone. www.themilestoneclub.com. (Shukla)

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

CITIZEN COPE You don't attend a Citizen Cope show for the stage show — there are times I wonder if he's even awake while he's performing on stage. But fans love his laid-back vibe. This time around, Citizen Cope is performing a solo acoustic show — something a little more personal and intimate for his fans. $25-$50. Neighborhood Theatre. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com. (Jeff Hahne)