Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, The Oranges Band and Birds of Avalon at Nanci Raygun
Hit Play promotions delivers a one-two-three punch with a show June 1 at 7 p.m. Ted Leo has weathered the harsh punk years and come out on the other side with some political, funny rock. The Oranges Band adds in a mellow latter-day emo with a brighter outlook. And Birds of Avalon rounds it out with a dose of psychedelia. $10. 353-4263.
Positive Vibe Café rocks Stratford Hills
If it carries a guitar, if it gets anywhere near the blues, it’ll be in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center June 5, 1-7 p.m. Steve Bassett and Jokers Wild, Susan Greenbaum, the Marna Bales Band, the Gary Gerloff Band, Chicago Cy, Page Wilson and Reckless Abandon, Charles Arthur and others take the stage for a fund-raising concert for the restaurant. Expect a cameo by cooked bison, one of the café’s specialties. Free. 560-9622.
Poco at Ashland Coffee and Tea
Speaking of country rock, ’70s greats Poco, whose pedigree includes members of Buffalo Springfield and one of the founders of the Eagles, comes to Ashland for a more intimate version of their big sound. Will there be “Crazy Love,” “Bad Weather” or “Indian Summer”? The show starts June 2 at 8 p.m. Eric Brace opens. Tickets are $36.50 in advance. 798-1702.
John McCutcheon plays for peace
The Richmond Peace Education Center brings folk-singing, hammer-dulcimer-playing, storytelling do-gooder McCutcheon to the VCU Singleton Center to promote peace and justice…and give it a soundtrack. The show starts June 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$20.