Thursday July 10
Crossroads at the Gardens
Taj Mahal started his career playing with Ry Cooder in The Rising Sons; however, this uber-talented blues artist found his niche exploring a multitude of musical styles on his own. Pulling on various influences, Mahal manages to stay true to the roots of blues while incorporating reggae, jazz, gospel and other traditions into one impressive style. The man and his music are both timeless and inventive. Celebrate blues fusion at Red Butte Gardens, 300 Wakara Way.

Friday July 11
Shout at the Devil!
I always wondered what our generation’s version of classic rock would be. The recent influx of deconstructed and subsequently reunited or reformed metal hair bands seems to indicate that the screeching, masochistic-sounding/feminine-looking groups of the ’80s will provide the tunes we’ll listen to while tuning our old Jettas and 4Runners in the driveway and kicking back spiked lattes while wishing for the glory days when every rose had its thorn. We can start cultivating a longtime obsession with the past by going to see Poison, Vince Neil and Skid Row at Usana Amphitheater.

The Godfather of Noyze
Human beat-box Rahzel will entertain all who come to see him, particularly those unfamiliar with the wide range of sounds that humankind’s vocal chords are capable of producing. Rahzel and that dude from the “Police Academy” movies are among the few who have mastered the art of sonic mimicry.

Drink of the Week
In honor of the release of dreamy Johnny Depp’s comeback hit “Pirates of the Caribbean,” we bring you:
Caribbean Sunset
- 1 part(s) Gold Tequila
- 1 part(s) Dark Rum

Directions/Comments: Fill glass with ice. Fill with roughly half tequila, half rum. Garnish with lime.
*You may pronounce the drink as it sounds in the film/Disneyland ride, or as it would sound as a sexy, themed motel room.
Non-Alcoholic Version
- 1 Bottle of Hawaiian Tropic
SPF 4

Midnight Movie: “The Goonies”
Do you still remember the good-ol’ days of watching your tattered VHS copy of Richard Donner’s” masterpiece about lower-class youth going on a pirate-treasure hunt? Of course you do! RED has recently uncovered a scandal involving the lame censored copy that doesn’t even translate Mouth’s Spanish. Boo! It may be the censoror’s time up there, but down at the Tower Theatre, it’s our time down at the Tower Theatre, as part of the Midnight Movie Series (if you think that’s redundant, you aren’t a fan), every Friday and Saturday at 11:59 p.m. Two times ago when they showed it, the members of the audience were cheering with great enthusiasm as they relived their youths.

Saturday July 12
What Is Hip?
Tower of Power is a horn-driven funk unit strong enough to stand on its own, but also impressive enough to support other musical powerhouses such as Bonnie Raitt and Elton John. The Oakland-based group rose to success in the late ’60’s, playing slick soul throughout the Bay Area. Their sound continues to please those clinging to authentic old school grooves. Tower of Power comes to town as part of the Salt Lake International Jazz Festival at Washington Square (an obscure spot near the City and County Building). The festival runs through Sunday.

Sunday July 13
Embrace the Darkness (or not)
Apparently, Shadows Fall has expanded its repertoire to include ballads and “rock”songs. I’m not sure whether or not this will anger fans of the Massachusetts- based death metal quintet. Go see for yourself at DV8 (where things could go more smoothly if they actually used both doors), 115 S. West Temple.Monday July 14

It’s Hip to Be Square
My first introduction to chess came in elementary school when I watched tiny tots sweat through their polo shirts as they attempted to secure victory on the checkerboard playing field. I see similar versions of this at various cafes around town. The players are intense and, though I wonder why I can’t enjoy such abundant free time, impressive in their unshakable concentration. Now these players have an opportunity to put their skills to the test. Sam Weller’s Bookstore is raising the stakes by holding an ongoing tournament with a $1,000 cash prize. It all started July 7, but you can check it out daily through July 22 from noon to 7 p.m. Sam Weller's is located at 254 S. Main Street.

Tuesday July 15
Look Ma! It’s the girl from Mr. Belvedere!
WHAT BAND?
True, Jenny Lewis once appeared on the classic ‘80s sitcom in leg-warmer splendor; however, she’s managed to evade child-actor syndrome by forming Rilo Kiley, one of the best indie rock bands today. Lewis, along with Blake Sennett, Pierre de Reeder and Jason Boesel, have released two killer albums since the band’s mid-'90s inception. Sweet vocals, endearing lyrics and strong instrumentation make for what should be Saddle Creek Record’s most high-profile acts (as opposed to Bright Eyes, who deserves some attention but c’mon! Share the friggin’ spotlight!). However, maybe it’s better to remain under the radar—you can still catch the group at tiny venues like Kilby Court,
Rilo Kiley plays with M. Ward (apparently also an amazing talent). Don’t miss it. It goes down at Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West.

This Is the Song That Never Ends
In seventh grade, I attended my first concert sans parental units. My fellow prepubescent friend and I spent three hours immersed in a smoky haze, doing our best impressions of the Deadhead groove as PHISH eased through its trademark extended jams. Afterwards, we felt funny. We laughed and scarfed vegan burritos courtesy of a rather sketchy lookin’ hippy. Though my musical tastes have since changed, I’ll never forget my first taste of freedom. Try to be clever about smuggling in that which you have been told to leave home. Get down to basics at Usana Amphitheater.

Wednesday July 16
Novocaine For the Soul
Mark Oliver Everett, a.k.a “E,” has made a career out of reaping light from loss. The frontman for alt-rock band Eels makes music that is both tragic and groovy, haunting and completely catchy. The group’s fifth album, 2003’s Shootenany!, features more of the hard-edged blues, rock and alt-country that originally secured a legion of loyal fans who appreciated E’s straightforward catharsis. Had a rough night? Week? Year? Let it all out with the Eels at Bricks, 579 W. 200 South.

See How High They Fly
Last time the Warlocks hit down, Hollywood’s army of darkness rocked the hazy Xscape basement into a stoned lull. Tonight the ten-piece band returns to Salt Lake City with the Ravonettes in tow. This Danish duo prides itself on a minimalist sound structure, restricting each song to two minutes based on 3-chords. Whether this sort of artsy conceptualization turns you on or if you just think you can handle the repetition long enough to discover the band’s more appealing qualities, then pogo over to the Zephyr, 301 S. West Temple.

Thursday July 17
Bob Dylan
The great songwriter and musical innovator Bob Dylan still has the right stuff, as they say in the business, and is coming to Utah again, although this time he’s still not too close to Salt Lake City. Way out in West Valley, he’ll be in the shiny new Usana Amphitheater. And I hope he’ll play “Visions of Johannah” this time so that Jeremy’s heart doesn’t break, but he probably won’t. Boo hoo. Tickets are still available at www.smithstix.com

Animal Rescue Benefit
WA Rehabilitation & Rescue of Utah, a non-profit organization, has rallied local artists Will Lovell, Colin Robison, and Smackwater to help them raise money for veterinary care. The injured mammals the WA picks up need clinical attention in order to get back on their paws. This evening of blues and rock will entertain while the money you lay down will go to something better than a temporary membership. Come think about something other than yourself at the Zephyr, 301 S. West Temple.

Friday July 18
Nasty, Nasty Boys
Hometown heroes the Rodeo Boys originally hooked up with Theodore Beck, a.k.a. Black Nasty, on an online “discussion board” (we think it was a dating service). It didn’t take long before the band realized it was imperative to collaborate with Nasty, an incredibly offensive rapper with an album that reeks of 2 Live Crew. It seems fitting that we support this sort of show, considering recent student poll results that claim our rag is “written by the devil himself.” Come all ye’ heathens to the Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East.

Gallery Stroll
Searching for a way to fill the gap between aesthetically pleasing outdoor events such as the Utah Art’s Festival and the Park City Art’s Festival (the latter of which sort of loses its luster as you finish the downward slope only to wind back uphill to look at more overpriced crafts and watercolor landscapes)? Never fear! The Gallery Stroll is back (as it should be—it is monthly), and though it’s not for us to determine whether it’s truly better than ever, it is certainly worth a visit. July’s showcase features the Teen Workshop Art Show (sponsored by professional local artists), selected pieces from SLUG magazine’s Death By Salt compilation contest and The Mars Project (works by Michael Moonbird and Aeric Kofold who employed an eclectic blend of mediums to achieve final products). The Stroll begins at 6 p.m. and runs through various studios until 9 p.m. Take it upon yourself to discover where these treasures exist.

Sunday July 20
RED Book Club!
We’re pretty certain that if you haven’t heeded the call already, you will probably just skip over this section. But for those with a genuine interest in the literary arts, we suggest you read A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. It’s just as self-indulgent as we are (but a bit more post-modern).

Wednesday July 23
Steel Pulse plays socially conscious reggae that once won favor with both Bob Marley and a slew of early ‘80s punk and new wave bands. The British musicians were raised in poverty, subject to the prejudice and oppression that would eventually fuel their impassioned lyrics. Though Steel Pulse clearly has an agenda, the group’s call for action comes in the form of infectious, danceable beats. It’s nearly impossible not to move your body when the band launches into such infectious numbers as “Ravers,” “Roller Skates,” and “Earth Crisis.” If you appreciate good reggae, this is one concert you must see at Suede, 1612 Ute Blvd, Park City at Kimball Junction.

They Might Be Giants
Have you forgotten what a cool duo They Might Be Giants is? Well, now John Linnell and John Flansburgh combine with the Band of Dans to make a five-piece combo busting out old and new songs at rocking volumes. Can you handle it? See the interview with Flansburgh on R4 and the review of the new documentary “Gigantic” on R11, OK? Alright. The band plays Red Butte Gardens, 300 Wakara Way.