Taylor Hicks at Innsbrook After Hours
Hicks, the only gray-haired American Idol to date, is on the road promoting his self-titled album, actually his third release after two pre-“Idol” independents. Mixing soul, R&B and blues, Hicks has gained a loyal following, the kind of folks who put the fan in fanatic. They’re called the “Soul Patrol,” and you can expect to witness representatives during Hicks’ show Saturday, July 7, at the Snagajob.com Pavilion. Gates at 6 p.m. $15-$20. Call 423-6589 or visit www.innsbrookafterhours.com. — Sarah Mogin
Jefferson Something at Toad’s Place
Since their debut in 1970, Jefferson Airplane has existed in multiple forms, confusing and dividing its fan base. On July 5, it’s the Jefferson Starship that lands at Toad’s Place, towing a lineup of musical throwbacks. According to the band’s Web site, this performance will be a collaboration between original and past members of the various offshoots and incarnations that have wandered the tour circuit in recent years. They will be performing such dubious classics as “Miracles” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” (which, admittedly, was up for an Oscar for Best Original Song in “Mannequin”), along with a stable of psychedelic-rock favorites from the last three decades. Special guests include Big Brother & the Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Tom Constanten, and David and Linda LaFlamme. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25-$30. Call (800) 514-3849 or visit www.toadsplacerva.com. — Colby Rogers
John McCutcheon at the Singleton Center
Five-time Grammy nominee and Charlottesville resident John McCutcheon is an outspoken proponent of peaceful coexistence. On July 5, the folk singer brings his topical, acoustic style to a benefit concert for the Richmond Peace Education Center at the Singleton Center. The music starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $12-$20. Give John a chance. Call 232-1002 or visit www.rpec.org. — C.R.
Bowling for Soup at Toad’s Place
For those of us who still have the song “1985” stuck in our heads, relief is on the way in the form of pop-punk Texans Bowling for Soup. That ever-catchy ode to snakeskin and Springsteen came off of 2004’s “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve,” but the band’s latest, “The Great Burrito Extortion Case,” has proven less successful. Also performing are Melee, Quiet Drive and Army of Freshmen, opening the show Sunday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. $12-$14. Call (800) 514-3849 or visit www.toadsplacerva.com. — S.M.
Los Lonely Boys play Innsbrook
Brothers Henry, Jo Jo and Ringo Garza are better known as Los Lonely Boys, a Grammy-award-winning trio of Texicans who hit the charts with single “Heaven.” The Boys combine Latin and rock in a style the likes of Santana, and what’s more: They put Ringo on the drums. College favorite Pat Green should fit right in with his trademark Texas country. Los Lonely Boys play the Snagajob.com Pavilion Wednesday, July 18. Gates at 6 p.m. $10-$15. Call 423-6589 or visit www.innsbrookafterhours.com.– Sarah Mogin
