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Chatham County Line - CCL singer and guitarist Dave Wilson's songwriting is laced with a Dylan-like whine and grind. You can hear it on several Wilson originals and the band's faithful version of "I Shall Be Released." The group maneuvers the roots highways with rocking numbers and plaintive tearjerkers that incorporate just the right amount of bluegrass flourishes. With Hooverville. The Evening Muse (early show) (Shukla)

Bruce Hazel & Some Volunteers - Hazel is fresh from mixing his new disc, Between the Journey & the Destination, with Brian Paulson somewhere in the Triangle hinterlands. Unlike Hazel's overtly political and polemical material with the Noise, his new songs with Some Volunteers take a confessional, narrative approach, a la two of his primary influences, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. The new approach suits Hazel, who hasn't lost an iota of intensity in the transition. With Head of Femur. The Evening Muse (late show) (Schacht)

Th' Legendary Shack Shakers - Having split Bloodshot Records for Yep Roc, this trio still has all the piss 'n' vinegar you could want from a roots act. This isn't the tame, heartfelt, precious, Alison Krauss-like gob-shite that often masquerades as authentic Americana : it's vital, belly-up-to-the-bar rock & roll with a twang. Which is what our forefathers intended roots music to be. (With Rev. Horton Heat; see lead music story this week.) . Visulite Theatre (Schacht)

FRIDAY 6.24

David Ryan Harris - Harris is an Atlanta staple who began his musical career with the long-defunct rock band Follow for Now. FFN were black-rock trailblazers and their music drew comparisons to Living Colour and Bad Brains. Harris has continued on the solo tip and is noted for his soulful voice and top-notch songwriting. It's a darn shame that fame has eluded this highly talented musician. See story in the music section. Neighborhood Theatre (Shukla)

DJ Keoki - A musical vagabond and something of an opportunist, Keoki jumps trains like a hobo master. He got his start in New York in the early 90s before moving to Los Angeles, where he proved a versatile, if somewhat workmanlike mixer. He started working in techno, house and trance, migrating with the club sound before moving on to electro-clash and mash-ups on his two 2003 releases. Keoki may not be the best DJ, but he's colorful and knows a trend when he spots it. Sky (Parker)

Who's Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute - In light of Michael Jackson's acquittal last week, the timing of this tribute band is perfect. The eight-piece ensemble (with horns!) covers more than 30 songs from Jackson's musical career, while lead singer Brandon Lee has mastered the intricate dance steps. Who's Bad has become a Chapel Hill institution with a large and devoted fan base. Amos' Southend (Parker)

SATURDAY 6.25

Fashion Brigade/The Sammies - On their last visit here, the fashionable gentlemen from Wilmington practically tore the roof off The Room before a jam-packed Friday night crowd. It was a mesmerizing, LOUD, two-hour set that almost made you forget about all the Joy Division and early Echo & the Bunnymen shows you didn't see in the 80s. Wadesboro boys The Sammies finally have a record deal (MoRisen smartly snapped 'em up), and the debut is in the works. As we've said here countless times before, this is one of Charlotte's more entertaining acts, throwbacks to the MC5 and kissin' cousins of Mooney Suzuki. In other words, they rock. Milestone (Schacht)

Lindsey Home Band - Having wisely moved to the New York area in hopes of earning the accolades she clearly deserves, Ms. Home returns to the Queen City : hopefully with a handful of label offers or a big signing bonus. The talented singer, songwriter and pianist plays a beguiling mix of introspective ballads simultaneously reminiscent of Kate Bush and Fiona Apple. It's too bad she didn't make a bigger splash here. Only a few of us will someday be able to say, "I saw her when..." With Kendall Gurske and Deanna Lynn. The Evening Muse (Schacht)

MONDAY 6.27

Aquabats / Epoxies - These geeky third-wave ska-punkers return after a six-year hiatus with Charge!!,, unleashing a mix of pop culture references, silly humor and a hook-driven bounce that translates to effortless good fun. Packing a similarly ebullient punch, the female-led Epoxies' furious, bounding pop-punk recalls Blondie with a tad more crunch, but the same smarts and new wave-fueled energy. Tremont Music Hall (Parker)

TUESDAY 6.28

Dave Matthews Band / Drive-By Truckers - Matthews has released more live albums than studio ones. That's not a bad thing, judging from his latest studio effort, Stand Up : limp even by DMB standards, with little of the energy that makes the band's glossy folk pop almost bearable. The Truckers, on the other hand, have released three astounding records in a row, while live, their hot-blooded Southern-fried country rock performances have established them as one of the best acts around. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (Parker)