Stillwater, Okla., power-pop outfit All American Rejects hit modern-rock radio hard in late '02 — the infectious "Swing Swing" was perfect for an audience acclimated to Weezer and Jimmy Eat World. It took three years for the band to follow up on its debut, but last year's Move Along showcased an act that had matured without shedding the big, obvious hooks it so deftly crafted. The AARs have a big bill of similarly post-pop-punk-minded groups on the road with 'em these days; The Starting Line's latest fare isn't much better than its former, cliché-ridden nu-punk, and Gym Class Heroes' blend of hip-hop and indie-pop is more novel than inspired, but the ambitious, maverick pop-rock of The Format is well worth checking out.
All American Rejects w/The Starting Line/The Format/Gym Class Heroes, 6:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 14 @ USF Sun Dome, Tampa; $25. —Scott Harrell
In terms of music, Ribfest has always been about pleasing the classic-rock masses, critics be damned. It makes sense. Who would come to a Ribfest with headliners like Pavement, Guided By Voices or The Decemberists? (Well, some people would, of course, but significantly fewer.) That said, this year's three-day bacchanal of smoked flesh, beer and music from yesteryear includes some worthy acts. Chief among them is Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, a New Jersey band that has long been linked to Bruce Springsteen. Southside ain't E-Street, though; Johnny and the gang play punchy, horn-driven rhythm and blues with a gregarious bar-room flair. My friend Bob and I saw them at Jannus Landing and vowed to attend whenever the band hit town. (We'll be the ones holding large cups of beer.) Elsewhere, The Family Stone Experience — which includes a number of Sly alumni and Ivan Neville of the New Orleans royal family — should get the park jumpin'. Likewise Cheap Trick, a veteran power-pop band with considerable staying power. Also on hand: The Guess Who, Marshall Tucker Band, Toto, Gator Country, Greg Billings Band and John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, which has the distinction of making the most blatant rip-off of Springsteen ever: "On the Dark Side."
Ribfest, Fri., Nov. 10 through Sun., Nov. 12, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg; $6 advance, $10 day of show. Children 12 and under free. For more information and lineup specifics, go to www.ribfest.org. —Eric Snider
Staunchly independent Austin cow-punk/bluegrass purveyors The Weary Boys have been favorites at venues like Skipper's and the New World for several years now; the guys come to town and do their joyful, energetic, beery thing at least a couple of times a year. The Boys are always an unpretentious good time and have won over everyone from scenesters to old-school rockabilly die-hards with their earnest blend of harmony, violin and Telecaster twang. This time around, the group is pimping a new CD, called Jumpin' Jolie, and once again welcomes quality local singer-songwriter Will Quinlan and his Diviners as support.
The Weary Boys w/The Diviners, 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, New World Brewery, Ybor City; $5. —SH
This article appears in Nov 8-14, 2006.