Music Picks 

Thursday 8.17

DR. JOHN
nIn the most random episode of the now-canceled TV series Love Monkey, hoodoo bluesman Dr. John helped a young crooner find his way out of a corporate-music conundrum. The kid, Wayne, was one lucky SOB. John knows the business left, right and upside down. From his early years as a studio musician to solo albums and “My Opinionation,” a catchy theme for television’s beloved Blossom, John’s created solid, groovy, timeless tunes with integrity. He even weathered Hurricane Katrina, performing in benefit concerts and spreading the same cheer he lent to Blossom’s Mayim Bialik years ago: “Don’t know about the future, that’s anybody’s guess/ Ain’t no good reason for getting all depressed.” Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com.

Also Thursday: Moonlight Towers, Swans of Never (Kilby Court); All Systems Fail, Retching Red (Wild Mushroom Pizza); Pagan Love Gods (Piper Down)

Friday 8.18

PERSEPHONE’S BEES
nPersephone’s Bees are more suited for road trips through sunny Southern California than subzero nights in Moscow. So it’s surprising to learn the voice behind happy-go-lucky lo-fi pop of “Nice Day” is Russian songstress Angelina Moysov. Legend has it that her natural talent surfaced as a 1-year-old babe singing a classic children’s song as mother looked on in awe. How happy is this music? “City of Love” appears on 2005’s Bewitched soundtrack. But it’s sugar with spice'sweet and a little nutty, with zippy Hammond organs propelling infectious rhythms. Burt’s Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State, 9:30 p.m. Info: 521-0572 (with Every Move a Picture).

JIMBO MATHUS
nJimbo Mathus is all grown up. The former Squirrel Nut Zippers vocalist/trombonist ditched the machismo-cabaret from our country’s decade of retro-swing for a calmer, bluesy sound. His solo work showcases a voice not unlike early Clapton and a guitar that champions authentic Mississippi soul. Barroom piano and lively back-up vocals infuse Knockdown South and Old Scool Hot Wings with enough debauchery to start a whiskey-fueled soiree. Mathus might have matured, but he still knows how to live. Egos, 668 S. State, 9 p.m. Info: 521-5255 (with Red Top Wolverine).

Also Friday: Red Bennies, Pleasure Thieves, Purr Bats (Urban Lounge); Roby Kap (Pat’s BBQ); Galactic (Harry O’s)

Saturday 8.19

The Iguanas (The Canyons, Park City); No Quarter (The Depot); Drag the River, Utah County Swillers (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); Mug Shots, Know It Alls (Urban Lounge); The Adonis (Egos)

Sunday 8.20

Joe Chisholm Unit (Monk’s); Brothers & Sisters, Band of Annuals (Kilby Court)

Monday 8.21

ENVY
nUnlikely observations at an Envy show: “Huh, that was pretty dull,” or “I didn’t suffer any damage to my inner-ear canal.” Those who’ve witnessed the Japanese hardcore band'or more accurately, the powerful typhoon wrapped in a hurricane stuffed with tornados and angry bees'are more inclined to say, “Whoa,” “Dude,” or “Whoa, dude.” Screamo at its best (i.e., no whining), Envy are a sonic microburst, creeping in with hushed tones before unleashing the instrumental equivalent of Tourette’s Syndrome. My reaction? “#%@#%@! This is some heavy, epic shit!” Draw your own conclusions when they play tonight with Pinback’s evil, math-rockin’ stepbrothers. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with Sleeping People).

Tuesday 8.22

Ben Harper (Usana Amphitheatre); Scary Kids Scaring Kids (Avalon Theater); The Klezbros (Exchange)

Wednesday 8.23

THE THERMALS
nHutch Harris is the guy you should have dated in high school'the one who couldn’t care less about fitting in. While his classmates engaged in popularity contests, he probably focused on creating what would eventually become an indie supergroup of sorts. Like a hip-hop collective with less blunts and more cardigan sweaters, The Thermals make intelligent, fun music that reflects their relative alienation from this mad, mad, mad, mad world. The Body, The Blood, The Machine, produced by Fugazi’s Brendan Cathy, imagines America governed by a fascist Christian state. Some might say this underlying theme is not such a stretch from reality; that they can relate to the sense of urgency and frantic energy in Harris’ confident-outcast voice. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Info: 24Tix.com.

Also Wednesday: The Format, Rainer Maria (In the Venue); New Monsoon (Suede, Park City); Asleep at the Wheel (Teazers, Ogden)

COMING UP
Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (Gallivan Center, Aug. 24). Unwritten Law (In the Venue, Aug. 25). Park City Jazz Festival (Deer Valley, Aug. 25-27). Bowling for Soup (In the Venue, Aug. 26). Univision Reggaeton Fest (Hollywood Connection, Aug. 26). Wolf Parade (In the Venue, Aug. 27). Jerry Douglas, Rosanne Cash (Red Butte Garden, Aug. 27). Drums & Tuba (Urban Lounge, Aug. 28). Sam Bush (The Depot, Aug. 28). Tool (E Center, Aug. 29). Dave Matthews Band (Usana Amphitheater, Aug. 30). Leahy (Kenley Amphitheater, Aug. 30). Toto (Sandy Amphitheater, Aug. 31). I Can Lick Any Son-of-a-Bitch In the House (Egos, Sept. 1). Alan Jackson (Usana Amphitheater, Sept. 9). Shooter Jennings (The Depot, Sept. 9).