CL previews upcoming concerts (Feb. 24-March 2) 

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24

Braveyoung Deconstructing rock into down-tempo soundscapes with post-hard-core growly vocals when needed, Braveyoung stroll into intriguing musical alleys. Formed as Giant in 2005, the combo changed its moniker a couple of years ago and now layer sound backdrops and guitar manipulation into something that could be soothing and unnerving. Also on the bill: Young and In The Way and Torch Runner. Milestone (Samir Shukla)

Quantum Foundry Who knew that a Hawaiian, Chinese traditional, hip-hop band would spawn from ragtime and bluegrass influences. The band's sadistic humor on its MySpace and Facebook pages adds an edgy appeal to its already distorted image. Serious about the music they produce, their lyrics generate somewhat of a positive punk rock message regarding society. The band's overall makeup will leave you unable to make heads or tails of its appearance. The only remedy to cure your curiosity would be to check them out. With Up With the Jones. Snug Harbor (Nicole Pietrantonio)

THURSDAY, FEB. 25

Slick Rick London-born Rick The Ruler, pardoned by New York governor David Paterson almost two years ago for the attempted murder of his cousin way back in 1990 (he served five years total) and hassled by Homeland Security goons ever since (just because a guy says he's "the bomb" doesn't mean he's carrying one, fellers), is finally back doing what he does best – spinning half-speed, half-spoken rhymes owing equally to flair and flow. A huge influence on the Kanyes of the world, both in dress and delivery, Rick's unfortunately been fighting our country's labyrinthine immigration laws more often over the last decade than seen in what he'll tell you is his true home, the studio. Catch him while you can. With Doug E Fresh. Amos' Southend (Timothy C. Davis)

FRIDAY, FEB. 26

Dave Alvin & a few Guilty Women Lucky man, that Mr. Alvin. He co-founded the seminal rockabilly punkers The Blasters, did time in X, and still plays with their twangy spin-off The Knitters. He's authored two collections of poetry and the greatest Fourth of July song ever penned, earned a Grammy in 2001 for his interpretations of traditionals (Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land), plays guitar like a demon and now surrounds himself with talented women on stage. (Rough life, Dave.) Last year's Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women showed the all-female band was up to the task, too. As he says, there are two kinds of folk music, soft and loud, and Alvin plays 'em both. Stage Door Theater (John Schacht)

The Pietasters For nearly 20 years, the D.C.-based Pietasters have basked in the warm sun with soul-drenched ska, roots reggae and shades of rock. Oft evoking the beloved sound of old Jamaican label Trojan Records, the vibe is old-school but always energetic, especially during their dancey live gigs. The new album, All Day, is a potent example of their ska foundation built with fab horns, guitars and sunny vocals, played with veteran camaraderie. Visulite Theatre (Shukla)

Elephant Man Self-promotion doesn't seem to be a problem for Jamaican mega star Elephant Man. "If you saw me today you are never gonna forget me, my hair, my clothes, my style, I'm crazy man, I'm the Energy God," he boasts. Well, maybe. But there's no doubting Elephant Man's dancehall mastery toasted with his fast-shooting baritone. And the beats are thick and bouncy. Spin his big hit "Nuh Linga" and see if you can keep your ass from shaking. Neighborhood Theatre (Shukla)

SATURDAY, FEB. 27

Raleigh Invasion A triple-bill of new (and new-ish) Triangle acts with veteran roots, featuring: The Jackets, twang-pop via Chatham County Line and Hotel Lights members doing the telecasters-and-harmonies thing (like The Band, Buddy Holly and Badfinger bunking up); The Small Ponds, a rootsy duo comprised of Whiskeytown-survivor Caitlin Cary and the Proclivities' Matt Davis (think Welch & Rawlins, with more piano); and Starmount, who've just released a sparkling debut of FODM-meets-Can-and-Tortoise instrumentals (Tyranny of the Sphere) built around the lush textures of Greg Elkins' pedal steel. This is the kind of multi-flavored invasion folks can celebrate, and one some Charlotte bands might consider (you know who you are). Snug Harbor (Schacht)

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic If you haven't familiarized yourself to the ways of the Godfather of Funk, I say "Get thee to this show!" Back in the old days, Clinton would hit the stage for a non-stop, three- or four-hour funk fest that never gave anybody a break or a rest. These days, Clinton may take a rest backstage from time to time, but that doesn't mean things slow down. There's a phrase – "There ain't no party like a P-Funk party, 'cause a P-Funk party don't stop." Find out why. Neighborhood Theatre (Jeff Hahne)

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

Alice in Chains The story here, more or less, is newish lead singer William DuVall, who is filling some considerable shoes: namely, those of legendary (for various reasons) voxman and wastr Layne Staley. The thing that seems to shock most people (besides the fact that DuVall's a black dude) is that the Alice Sound is more or less the same as it ever was. Those who've seen the Chains live know why this is: guitarist and lead songwriter Jerry Cantrell sings co-lead on most tracks anyway. Which is not to say DuVall's not an asset, of course, but rather to say that AIC was always Cantrell's band to begin with. As such, still worth a listen. The Fillmore Charlotte (Davis)