Beat Happenings

Let's make a deal: Are you an artist who is eager to be discovered, but you just don't have the energy to track a demo or actively pursue a record deal? HooD Magazine Music Conference to the rescue! A dozen labels are coming together on Wednesday, January 4, at The Arena (9973 Lewis and Clark Boulevard; www.hoodnetworkmeeting.com) — and for various fees, they will view performances, record demos for the conference's CD/DVD, and include song reviews or interviews in HooD Magazine. Scheduled to attend include reps from Universal, Jive, Warner Music Group, Slip N Slide, Snyper, UnBEATable Entertainment, Rap-A-Lot and many more. For more information contact info@hoodnetworkmeeting.com, or call 618-332-2417 or 386-871-6455.

Not just a street anymore: Beat Happenings loves Wydown — and not just because of its Skinker-traffic-avoiding properties. The four rockers who make up this local indie quartet have Death Cab aspirations, but I daresay they've exceeded them. Their crisp, minor-chord breakdowns play like the Interpolian id of Ben Gibbard, while their eccentricities conjure everything from Queen to Radiohead. Five bucks will feed your musical ego when Wydown plays at 9 p.m. Saturday, January 7, at Off Broadway (3509 Lemp Avenue; 314-773-3363) with Charleston Sound Machine, Sweet Ray Laurel and One Lone Car.

Are you lonesome tonight? Well, put on your blue suede shoes and step outta that heartbreak hotel, hound dog, 'cause a big hunk of love named Steve Davis is your Elvis in disguise. Surrender your suspicious mind and love him tender on Saturday, January 7, when KLOU (103.3 FM) presents the award-winning Presley tribute "Memories of Elvis," starring Davis as the pre-bloated King and Thomas Hickey as ne'er-bloated Buddy Holly. It's now or never, so don't be cruel; head to the Pageant (6161 Delmar Boulevard; 314-726-6161) at 8 p.m. All ages can get shook up for $20.