IAMA Folk Festival, U92 Summerjam, LAHPAH Fest, Dead Meadow, Modest Mouse 

Saturday 8.29
IAMA FOLK & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Black Joe Lewis and Robert Randolph wrapped up the 2009 Twilight Concert Series on Thursday, but thanks to the folks at Intermountain Acoustic Music Association free, outdoor music continues today with the Folk & Bluegrass Festival featuring a touring headliner with local ties. Hot Buttered Rum’s (right) catalog contains several references to the Beehive State, including “Jackmormon Mom,” inspired by vocalist/guitarist Nat Keefe’s mama who relocated from Utah to San Francisco to be with his dad—and the Grateful Dead. The Bay Area band’s plays today at no cost to the listener along with Cosy Sheridan & TR Ritchie, Kristin Erickson, Lab Dogs, Kate MacLeod & Shanahy, Josh Rosenthal, Mary Tebbs and Josh Hamilton. Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main, Noon-10 p.m. All-ages. Free

U92 SUMMERJAM
In a 2008 interview, Ice Cube told CNN, “As I’ve grown and matured as a person, I’ve done the same thing as an artist.” Part of that growth means the original gangsta-rapper is starring in family films produced by Fred Durst, but Cube (O’Shea Jackson) is not completely soft—especially when it comes to controlling his music career. The former N.W.A./Westside Connection member released his previous two LPs on his label Lench Mob Records, earning back nearly every cent he puts into the recording/ distribution process, focusing less on airplay/videos and more on “making hardcore music.” Check the results today when Cube joins Summerjam headliners Fabolous, Maino, Twista, Mr. Capone-e, Clipse and Mr. Criminal for the 10th annual hip-hop celebration. Usana Amphitheater, 5400 S. 6200 West, 5 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: SmithsTix.com

Sunday 8.30
LAHPAH FEST
A recent report on poverty conducted by the Community Action Partnership of Utah indicates a significant increase in the percentage of families seeking food and housing assistance from local agencies. The news is hardly surprising for anyone even remotely affected by the recent economic downturn. We are not immune to poverty. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to support nonprofit organizations like LAHPAH (Local Artists Helping Prevent and Assist the Homeless) whose third annual benefit concert donates proceeds to Youth City and the Utah Youth Mentor Project to help kids fulfill their basic needs. Enjoy live performances by Utah artists Afro Omega, Colin Robison, Gentri Watson, Debi Graham Band, Andale!, James Shook, Brinton Jones of The Devil Whale, Shaky Trade, Jebu, RuRu, Radio Rhythm Makers, Mad Max & The Wild Ones, Chaz Prymek, The Mandalas, Our Time In Space and Jackie Campbell. Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main, 1-10 p.m. All-ages

Tuesday 9.1

MODEST MOUSE
The video for Modest Mouse’s “King Rat” is truly grotesque. Directed by Heath Ledger shortly before his death last year and illustrated by Terry Gilliam, it offers a gruesome role reversal on the fishing industry with a ship manned by whales savagely poaching humans, butchering them alive and then partying en route to sell the flesh for profit. The song itself is similarly brutal, surging along to Isaac Brock’s choppy barking—a delivery that remains as distinct and uneasy as it did when the Seattle-born band surfaced in ’93. “King Rat” can be found grouped with additional odds and ends off the recent EP No One’s First and You’re Next. In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with The Night Marchers)

COMING UP
Alexis Gideon, Shelley Short (Slowtrain, Sept. 3; Urban Lounge, Sept. 4); Busdriver (Kilby Court, Sept. 4); Marilyn Manson (Great Saltair, Sept. 5); Hurt (Club Vegas, Sept. 6); Blink 182 (McKay Events Center, Sept. 7); Matt & Kim, Amanda Blank (In the Venue, Sept. 7); Buckwheat Zydeco (The State Room, Sept. 8); Govt. Mule (Depot, Sept. 9); Hollywood Holt (W Lounge, Sept. 9); Brandi Carlile (Depot, Sept. 10)

click image