Concert Highlights for the Week of July 18 - July 24

T-Hud (CD-release)
First Avenue
If we've learned nothing else since the Clinton administration, it's that, for the most part, basketball players with mic dreams should stick to the hardwood (and vice versa—just ask the Beastie Boys about their backstage trouncing at the hands of Bob Pollard and company during Lollapalooza '94). You have to give Timberwolves point guard Troy Hudson props, however. Of all the ballers who've logged studio time, he seems like the one least interested in trading on his established image in one profession to garner praise in another. (Does Shaq use anything but the fact that he is Shaquille O'Neal to sell records?) He also ups his street cred by having the decency to put together a CD-release party, period. He assumes nothing in trying to establish himself from the ground up, causing us to think Shaq, AI, the Glove, and the rest assume far too much. With Ray J. 18+. $15. 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612.332.1775. —Pat O'Brien

Planet of the Drums
Foundation Nightclub
AK1200, Dara, and Dieselboy have gone nearly unchallenged as America's leaders in DJing drum 'n' bass since the genre first came to prominence in the mid-'90s. Mass enthusiasm for the music has waned somewhat since then, though, and major tours have dwindled. But this trio (from Orlando, New York, and Pittsburgh, respectively) is keeping the movement alive and in the main rooms of clubs across the country. Los Angeles-based MC Messinian mans the microphone for the evening, rhyming and providing commentary as the DJs present their annual Planet of the Drums Tour. 18+. $12/$15 at the door. 10:00 p.m. 10 S. 5th St., Minneapolis; 612.332.3931. —Tamara Palmer

 

FRIDAY 7.20

The Alarmists (CD-release)
First Avenue
Whether I'm eavesdropping during happy hour or shouting with a fellow concert-goer, I can't seem to go anywhere these days without hearing mention of the Alarmists. The local indie-rock group's six-song EP, released a year ago, was enough to put them onto every critic's year-end favorites list. Even a party I hosted last month cleared out due to a nearby Alarmists show. The band of handsome men celebrates their new CD, The Ghost and the Hired Gun, a disc packed with feel-good melodies that almost anyone can appreciate (especially those who adore hints of Brit pop). Openers the Debut and White Light Riot both share this faux blue blood, for better or worse. If you haven't seen the Alarmists perform, it's about time you got on with it. I'll probably hear you talking about them the next time I'm out. 18+. $8/$10 at the door. 8:00 p.m. 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612.332.1775. —Amber Schadewald

SATURDAY 7.21

Musicapolis 2007
Minnesota Center for Photography
For a dedicated music lover, the summer concert schedule can be a tad overwhelming. Luckily, there are events like Musicapolis that relieve the stress of venue-hopping by simply putting all the acts you want to see on one stage. Hosted by the Minnesota Center for Photography, this year's Musicapolis focuses on the local hip-hop scene, fusing regional art to a hot soundtrack. The events during the day are basically a gender-neutral version of last month's B-Girl Be, featuring on-the-spot mural making by aerosol artists, kids' activities, and hip-hop dance instruction. At night things will heat up, with I Self Devine, Kanser, Omaur Bliss, soon-to-be-leaving Sarah White, and local DJs taking center stage. Booze and quality snacks will be available, rounding out the list of necessary components for a successful outdoor concert. Bikes, high-tops, and—of course—your camera are highly suggested accessories. $10. 3:00 p.m. 165 NE 13th Ave., Minneapolis; 612.824.5500. —Amber Schadewald

Big Quarters
The Dinkytowner
In the two years since they've shown up on our cover, the Bagaason brothers—Brandon and Zack, a.k.a. Brandon Allday and Medium Zack, respectively; a.k.a. Big Quarters, collectively—have toured their asses off, honed their craft, and released an album—the supreme Cost of Living—that you can put right up there in an all-time Minnesota rap Top 10 list without second-guessing. Credit the lyrics, which smartly deliver politics more personal than preachy, and their voices, which pit Brandon's gruff rumblings against Zack's deceptively relaxed delivery. But it's pushed to the stratosphere by their classic yet out-there production—the influence of DJ Premier's headknock drum programming and Dilla's glowing bass worked into a new, perfect-summer permutation. This show'll be your only opportunity to cop their new instrumental beat record, Zip Disks Break. If Cost of Living is any indication, that gives you at least two reasons to go. With Mux Mool. 18+. $5. 9:00 p.m. 412 1/2 14th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 612.362.0437. —Nate Patrin