From the Battle of the Bands, a Victor
Potter’s Pub and Grille has played host to some serious musical competition for weeks now, and from the dust comes the final round of sparring. On April 13, the Fugawis, Reverend Love Joy, Blue Line Highway and Atlas compete in the best cover/original playoffs, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Sin City Revival, Pennyshaker, Loose Gravel and Co-Pilot go at it for the Potter’s crown, 7 p.m.-midnight, April 17. Free. 282-9999.
The Kentucky HeadHunters at the Canal Club
They’ve dodged labels for almost 40 years: honky-tonk, blues, rock, country. After 2003’s “Soul” was released, the HeadHunters added another tag. It’s safe to say that Southern rock, whatever it was, is and will be, owes a lot of its shifty character to these hard-to-define Kentucky boys. The show starts at 8 p.m. $20-$25. 643-2582.
Agents of Good Roots at Alley Katz
Old Alley Katz rounds out its busy week with the return of one of its inaugural members. Back when the club was taking its first steps a decade ago, Agents played almost nightly as both band and venue pulled themselves up. In the process, Agents helped refine a jazz-funk sound that has trickled down through the years to the bars and bands that have come since. See where it all started, April 15 at 9 p.m. DJ Williams Projekt opens. $8-$10. 643-2816.
Smoke or Fire at Alley Katz
Toe-tapping punk rock: There’s a concept. Richmond’s Smoke or Fire is speeding along in the wake of a tour with Avail and the release of their debut, “Above the City,” a polished and confident entry into the misty world of punk-pop. Nobody seems to know where this sound is going, but it’s going there fast. They open for Against Me!, April 14 at 7 p.m. $8. 643-2816.