Maine bands Break Thru

Ridin' the spine

New England Music News

Righteous rock

On THURSDAY (the 19th), feel the funk with the DENNIS McCARTHY BAND free-of-charge at Nick-a-Nee's (401.861.7290), leading into a potent weekend on the local live circuit, starting with SIX STAR GENERAL and THE JESSE MINUTE (two of Lil Rhody's best live acts) opening for THE TREWS at Fête in Olneyville on FRIDAY (the 20th); all-ages and $10 at the door, call 401.383.1112. On SATURDAY (the 21st), prepare to rock out at the Met for a worthy cause when RHD-RI (Resources for Human Development) presents "ECLECTIC SHOCK," a mix of local rock and RHD-RI client bands; catch HOPE ANCHOR, a MEDICINE BALL reunion (!), LOLITA BLACK, SASQUATCH & THE SICK-A-BILLYS, and more, alongside RHD-RI client bands, including MRS. SIX EYES and ½ MAN ½ HUMAN. All-ages and just $5 at the door, hit rhdri.org for more input. Another worthy-cause-show on Saturday goes down at Roots Café (401.272.7422), benefitting Girls Rock! RI and the Sojourner House, with JERI & THE JEEPSTERS and ROUTE .44, plus sets from GR!RI bands. Saturday rages on: at Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House (401.575.2284) the Rhode Island Songwriters Association presents TIMOTHY ALEXANDER and RAY COOKE with special guest SARAH BLACKER; THE BOHEMIAN QUARTET plays Blackstone River Theatre in Cumberland (call 401.725.9272); and Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Pawtucket hosts the folk-rock duo THE KENNEDYS, call 401.921.5115. On MONDAY (the 23rd), the Met has KRIS HANSEN AND JON TIERNEY kicking out the acoustic jams at their bi-weekly "Dropout Night" (no cover all night). Local 121's Taproom is the official midweek jumpoff spot, with DJ (and Panther Moderns guitarist) WAY O'MALLEY spinning on TUESDAY (the 24th), and next THURSDAY (the 26th), DJ DOX hits the decks all night; 21+ and no cover, call 401.274.2121 for info on both. Also next Thursday, truly badass local rawk outfit SHE RIDES returns to the Whiskey Republic (401.588.5158) with Boston bands CAPITAL RADIO and GROUCHO MARXISTS.