Ima Robot at the Chili Cookoff
Once a stew of Southern rock, the music at the annual Chesterfield Dodge Chili Cookoff got an upgrade this year with the infusion of some fresh meat. Not only will you dine on the hard rock sounds of Fuel and Hoobastank, but the new Virgin Records acquisition Ima Robot is also on the menu for a set of spicy synth-pop. Oh, and that American Idol reject William Hung also will be there. Saturday 11 a.m. at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Tickets are $20, or $15 in advance at Plan 9.
The Wiyos at Poe’s Pub
Tune yourself to vintage Piedmont blues with a visit to Poe’s Pub Friday night, when the Wiyos perform a set of blues, ragtime, early swing and old-time string music. The show starts at 9:30 and costs $5.
Def Jux at Nanci Raygun
Underground rappers emerge at Nanci Raygun this Friday when a handful of artists on the new “Def Jux Presents” compilation album tour take the stage. The talent includes Murs, the Perceptionists, RJD2 and C-Rayz Walz. The show is at 9 p.m. and costs $15.
Michelle Branch and Rooney at VCU
The Virgin College Mega Tour is bringing Michelle Branch and Rooney to Virginia Commonwealth University on Saturday, with openers Gavin Degraw and Joe Firstman. Second stage acts include newcomers Michael Tolcher, Tyler Hilton and Chris Grace. It’s at the Siegel Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. For information, visit www.virgincollegemegatour.com.
Jordan Knight and Melissa Ferrick at the Canal Club
The summer concert schedule hasn’t even begun yet and former celebrities are showing up around town. On Thursday, former New Kids on the Block lead singer Jordan Knight will perform at the Canal Club. His current tour is in support of “Jordan Knight Presents: The New Kids on the Block Remix Album.” 8 p.m. $15. The next night, girl rocker Melissa Ferrick takes the Canal Club stage in support of her live album “70 People at 7000 Feet.” 8:30 p.m. $12.
Music and a Movie at the JRFF
Director Mel Stuart will be screening “Wattstax,” his documentary of the 1972 Los Angeles music festival, which was billed as a “Black Woodstock.” The festival was a positive response to the Watts riots, and the documentary contains interviews with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Richard Pryor and others. A Q&A with Stuart will follow. Afterwards, join Richmond funk band NRG Krysys as they play many of the ’60s and ’70s soul and funk classics featured in the movie. Both the screening and the music take place at Plant Zero starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Admission $5.
Ten Mile Tide at Main Street
San Francisco rock band Ten Mile Tide would irritate Metallica. The bluegrass-tinged group has made a name for itself by partnering up with file-sharing site Kazaa and heartily endorsing the free distribution of music online, flying in the face of many bands (metal granddads Metallica for one) who have spoken up against the practice. Whichever way you swing on the debate, the “Poster Band for Kazaa” will distribute its music live at Main Street Beer Co. Thursday at 9:30 p.m. Admission, like file sharing, is free.
