THURS 23

Everclear Formed in 1992, Everclear has proven to be a band that sticks around for many years. Lead singer Art Alexakis is still crankin' out post-grunge, power-pop tunes, and still bleaching his hair. "Wonderful" was the first single of their 2000 album Songs from an American Movie, Vol. 1: Learning How to Smile. It was re-released on their 2009 album, In a Different Light. (Hard Rock Cafe, Tampa) —Kate Cillian

The Lambasters The howling and charismatic Ernie Locke has become a figurehead of Seminole Heights as proprietor of Ella's, a dining and drinking mainstay in the Tampa neighborhood. The fast and furious harmonica-wieldin' frontman for the twisted blues act Nervous Turkey, which has been on something of a hiatus, has found a new groove with the likewise gritty but farther-out Lambasters, giving our ears the what for with a potent combo of blues, rockabilly, punk and psychedelic garage rock. They bust out the hooks and hoots folks love Nervous Turkey for with some spacey jams and freaky fuzz thrown in. (Ella's Americana Folk Art Café, Tampa) —Julie Garisto

FRI 24

Sarah Mac Tallahassee-based Sarah Mac is a chick that can sing. She has the ability to change from the soulful grit of Janis Joplin to the sweet, breathy tone of Dido — and even inject some thunderous gospel. She's goofy on stage but busts out some seriously good tunes. Normally Mac plays with a band, but she goes solo with a guitar and keyboard at the cozy Hideaway Cafe this Friday. (Hideaway Café, St. Petersburg) —KC

Ami Dang and Russian Tsarlag Eclectic Tampa recorded-sound-and-written-word purveyor Mojo continues its tendency toward the obscure and daring with this WMNF co-sponsored shindig. Headlining the evening's festivities is Baltimore resident Ami Dang, whose unique take on traditional Eastern raga sounds is filtered through an ambitious and artsy modern perspective and her experiences as a second-generatio Sikh-American; the result is mesmerising and substantial. Bizarro songwriter/performance artist Russian Tsarlag (aka Carlos Gonzales) and his "woozy weird-pop" and, ahem, unpredictable performance style ride shotgun. (Mojo Books and Music, Tampa) —Scott Harrell

Yellowcard / Good Charlotte After a two year hiatus, the California-based rockers known collectively as Yellowcard have returned to support their seventh studio album, When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes (Hopeless Records). Songs like "The Sound of You and Me" and "See Me Smiling" are reminiscent of the days when they lived and played in Jacksonville (cue Florida audience). Overall, the new album is an energetic, sonic/lyrical reflection of the last six years: member departures, label changes and seemingly dead ends. But the new album and recent road time is blazing a fresh trail for Yellowcard's career. While still on the road with All Time Low earlier this year, they announced a co-headlining tour with Good Charlotte. GC just released their fifth studio album, Cardiology, their first for Capitol Records. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg) —Adam Richards

Greenland is Melting Have you been suffering from PTFWTLSS (post traumatic fatigue with the live-music scene syndrome)? Here's your R/X: Take a heaping spoonful of Greenland is Melting. The right-proper Gainesville fellas bring their catchy front porch singalongs and DIY ragtag ditties to Ella's, administering healthy doses of bluegrass and pop with punk rock abandon. Call your doctor if you have dry mouth, bladder control problems and a blissed-out grin that just won't go away. (Ella's Americana Folk Art Café, Tampa) —JG

Damon Fowler Group w/Paul Anthony Band A natural born blues guitarist and one of Tampa's greatest entertainers, Fowler was born and raised in Brandon. He has made a name for himself nationwide with his heartfelt delivery and unique slide guitar stylings. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa). —KC

SAT 25

Andy Matchett & the Minks w/Marksmen/Alexander & The Grapes/Ettison Orlando songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andy Matchett, of Monorail and XOXO fame, goes a more straightforward and expressive route here with his group the Minks — it's a marvelous, somewhat mellow mix of indie-rock smarts and '70s AM Gold vibe. Worthy local faves Marksmen and Alexander & The Grapes continue to ply their sophisticated, shadow-darkened southern rock 'n' roll and warm, organic twang-pop, respectively, while comparatively obscure fellow Bay area act Ettison has a nicely original and soulful folk/jam/groove-rock sound with amazing harmonies. Highly recommended. (Crowbar, Ybor City) —SH

Katt Hefner: Two Jims & A Nancy Jazz and R&B chanteuse Katt Hefner is joined by her brother, Hammond B3 player Stan "The Man" Heffner along with a five-piece backing band to perform a tribute to jazz luminaries Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith and Nancy Wilson; guests enjoy two sets with an intermission. (Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg) —Leilani Polk

Geri X w/The Living Arches/Palmer Homes Geri X has been called a poet, rebel and singer by the L.A. Times, and she also nabbed CL's Best of the Bay trophy for "Best Singer-Songwriter" two years in a row. Despite her unique voice and recent success with the media, one thing should be noted: she is a musical workhorse. The Bulgarian-born St. Petersburg-based artist has eight releases under her belt and she is a meticulous adherent to her fans via YouTube vlogs on her website. Her Tampa show marks the end of a tour that began at the Steel Bridge Song Fest in Wisconsin, where she was supporting her latest album, Whiskey and Cigarettes (Underrated Records). (New World Brewery, Ybor City) —AR

OTEP w/Blackguard/Sister Sin/Destrophy/One-Eyed Doll/Dark Summer Heavy metal is resurrected with gut wrenching, ear drum exploding screams from the mouth of a chick lead singer Otep Shamaya. Add in some in-your-face guitar riffs, high energy bass lines and more eye make up than a Miss America pageant and you've got the four-piece metal band from L.A. (State Theatre, St. Petersburg) —KC

Buffalo Strange w/Funky Seeds Buffalo Strange dishes out funky reggae rock from the Burg. Lead singer Rob Pieniak brings a blues edge, while the other members blend jazz, psychedelic and reggae (with the help of a saxophone, flute, percussion, drum kit and keyboard) in one groovy journey. Good for the soul and great for a drive to the beach. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa) —KC

Homegrown Hip Hop 3 w/Infinite Skillz/Jake Jansen/Tone Shock/more You know how you were all like, "there's no good local hip-hop," and I was like, "God, you're stupid"? Yeah, you're stupid. Come get an earful on the Burg's 600 block. Infinite Skillz boasts a smooth, smart and adaptable flow as suited to a breezy summer jam as it is harder fare, while fellow B.A.S.E. Inc. crew member Jake "F.a.T." Jansen still calls the group's original, erm, base of Northern Virginia home, and has a more slippery, squirrelly style. Impressive stuff, this, and heads will find something to like among the rest of the bill, too, which features Tone Shock, Hard Target, Nilla Green, Santino and more. (The Local 662, St. Petersburg) —SH

SUN 26

John Nowicki and Friends The drummer for Poetry 'n' Lotion has his own creatively intriguing and catchy thing going on. Take it all in al fresco on the Refinery's rooftop. The show is part of a free live music series the critically acclaimed restaurant is launching. Come out and support. (The Refinery, Seminole Heights, Tampa) —JG

Tampa Bay Ukulele Society Showcase & Fundraiser If you've been within earshot of a radio in the last two years, you may have noticed the rampant comeback of the ukulele in popular culture. Songs like "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz and Train's "Hey, Soul Sister" (and pretty much every other song by Jack Johnson) have inspired all-manner of amateur musician to run out and buy the Hawaiian instrument, record their own covers, and post them on YouTube. Fortunately for this community of musicians, there's the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society Showcase & Fundraiser. This event supports the annual Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway as well as local organizations that serve autistic children, and features The Barnkickers, Big Jim Allen & Elan Chalford, Tom Hood and Noel Rochford. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa) —AR

Crash Mitchell The inveterate scene vet and southern fried punk troubadour, aka Sean Mitchell, is getting back on his feet after a hellacious 2010, hospitalized for months on end for ailments too complicated to go into here, but rest assured we're not guilting you into supporting Crash. We're just letting you know, perhaps reminding you, that one of Tampa's funniest turn-of-phrasers and best storytellers is playing again and is worth your while. Following in the footsteps of famed Florida folkie dad Paddy Mitchell, a onetime travel companion of Jack Kerouac, Mitchell is performing new songs from his forthcoming CD, tentatively titled Yeehaw Junction, tunes inspired by his recent whoop-ass of the grim reaper. (The Hub, Tampa) —JG

The David Mayfield Parade You may have never heard lifelong prairie-music genius and unrepentant Ohioan David Mayfield's name, but if you're an Americana fan, you've heard his work, whether with cult favorite Cadillac Sky, as producer for the Grammy-nominated Barry Scott album In God's Time, or from his countless stints as sideman for the Avett Brothers. Yeah, hell of a pedigree, right? And the earnest, open songwriting and immaculate musicianship of the Parade more than lives up to the resume. Come say hello to the new Orpheum location, and have your heart broken and lifted up while your mind gets blown. (Orpheum, Ybor City) —SH

MON 27

Preson Phillips w/Alexander/Solia Tera/John Gold Few artists can survive the life of waiting tables by day and gigging by night. As for folk rock singer-songwriter Preson Phillips, that lifestyle would be a cinch. By day, Phillips is a church planter/pastor in downtown Tampa at a missional church called Watermark. When he's not recording or performing, he's teaching and leading crowds of people. Phillips' music goes hand-in-hand with his ministerial work, but never does it become preachy. His first full-length, The Observant and the Anawim, was produced by Underoath's Tim McTague and his sophomore release, Weep…He Loves the Mourners Tears is a mix of hushed acoustic songs that often crescendo into full-on band jams and vocal harmonies. Songs like "People of His Choice" and "Pilgrim" are obvious testimonies about God's love, but they're approachable and can be enjoyed purely for their genuine folk aesthetic and lyrical honesty. (Transitions Gallery @ Skatepark of Tampa) —AR

TUES 28

The Soul Birds w/The Leylines The Soul Birds enjoy life, and want you to enjoy it with them through their modern blues rock infused with hints of folk and psychedelic. With influences like Led Zeppelin, Steve Miller Band and The Black Crowes, it shouldn't be hard to hop on their band wagon and dance the night away. (Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa) —KC

Florida Fest w/Destruction Of A King/Adaliah/Silence/Take Charge/Dead Walking Terror/Wake Up Atlantic/Richard Cory/Counterblow/Retributions Try not to be shocked into an embolism, but SPOT's Transitions Art Gallery is hosting a large bill full of heavy, heavy, heavy-ass bands. I know, I know, you're squinting and hunching in anticipation of the heart attack so much surprise will surely inspire. No, really, it's business as usual at Transitions, with plenty of chances for hardcore and metal fans to get introduced to their new favorite underground act. SoCal's Destruction Of A King blend tight, melodic guitar lines with crushing groovecore. Sarasota's Adaliah ups the noise quotient with more chaotic time-signature changes. Silence has a name that makes them extremely hard to track down online, but I'm betting the sound is pretty much the opposite of the moniker. And so on — expect a high level of metalcore quality throughout. Doors open at 4 p.m. (Transitions Gallery @ Skatepark of Tampa) —SH

ALSO THIS WEEK

Monetigue / Rise Of Saturn / Stephen Soloist Electronic / Rangers In Reality Fri., June 24, Pegasus Lounge, Tampa

COPE Fri., June 24, Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin

Nelms/Chavers Fri., June 24, Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg

Sarasota Slim: Get Up, Get Down, CD Release Party Fri., June 24, Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg

Kids Like Us w/Mongoloids/The Greenery Fri., June 24, Orpheum, Ybor City

Maruta w/Cellgraft/Godharvest Fri., June 24, Transitions Gallery @ Skatepark of Tampa

End Of An Era / Worse Things Waiting Sat., June 25, Pegasus Lounge, Tampa

With Increase / ChristBreaker / Losin' It / Reasoning Sat., June 25, Transitions Gallery @ Skatepark of Tampa

Burning Tree Sat., June 25, Jollimons Grille, Dunedin

Mojo Gurus Sat., June 25, Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg

The Lambasters Sat., June 25, Yeoman's Road Pub, Tampa