B-Sides traces the history and evolution of the power ballad in honor of Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick, and examines An Under Cover Weekend's '80s and '90s participants

7 p.m. Saturday, September 13. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights. $110 and $150, lawn sold out. 314-298-9944.

Cover Up
The 2008 version of An Under Cover Weekend is double the fun of last year's inaugural edition: This event is now spread out over four nights instead of just two. And although the premise of the extravaganza is still the same — your favorite local musicians paying tribute to bands of yesteryear by doing all-covers sets — each night will focus on the music of a specific decade. The bitching '80s and the grunged-out '90s are up for tribute this Friday and Saturday night — and so without further ado, here are the participants.

MIke Gorman

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More About

• Journey (Musical Group)
• Heart (Musical Group)
• Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
• Robb Steele
• Huey Lewis

'80s Night:

The Bureau
In reality: A quintet inspired by dark-wave dance-rockers and decaying glam-pop stars.

Artist covering: David Bowie — the '80s period.

Why this will work: With its expanded five-piece lineup — including talented keyboardist Natalie Huggins — the Bureau can tackle the Thin White Duke's cheesiest moments with aplomb.

Magnolia Summer
In reality: An earnest outfit raised on a diet of Americana, jangle-pop and roots-rock.

Artist covering: The Replacements

Why this will work: Ragged, old-fashioned twang never goes out of style — and Magnolia Summer can easily turn up the bar-band bluster in a heartbeat.

Fattback
In reality: A keyboard-buoyed pop act.

Artist covering: Huey Lewis & the News

Why this will work: Last year's Cars cover set demonstrated the band's ability to ape new-wave pop's finest, and it doesn't get much more choice than the sax-and-synth gems from ultimate preppie Huey Lewis.

Robb Steele
In reality: A hard-rhymin' hip-hop trio.

Artist covering: Run-D.M.C.

Why this will work: Robb Steele is borrowing vintage records for the occasion, which means that its set should skew close to the old-school tone of Run-D.M.C.'s jams.

The Monads
In reality: A kinetic quartet that's half gypsy-punk, half frantic twang.

Artist covering: Devo

Why this will work: Its hyperactive live show matches the tone of Devo's tunes, and rumor has it the band will use synthesizers to replicate the Akron band's quirky synthpop.

'90s Night

7 Shot Screamers
In reality: Punk-a-billy spazzes.

Artist covering: No Doubt

Why this will work: If anyone can capture Gwen Stefani's in-your-face, exuberant stage persona, it's head 'Screamer Mike Leahy.

Heroes of the Kingdom
In reality: A loud quartet incorporating elements of classic rock, Rust Belt X and post-rock murmurs.

Artist covering: Smashing Pumpkins

Why this will work: In real life, the Heroes are grunged-out and epic; plus, Chris Powell's sprawling vocals recall Billy Corgan's mews more than one might think (but minus the nasally irritation).

John Henry & The Engine
In reality: An earnest heartland act in the vein of Springsteen.

Artist covering: Green Day

Why this will work: Not sure if it will — but earnestness and vulnerability sure separated Green Day from other punks in the '90s.

The Sham
In reality: A topsy-turvy indie-pop act with keyboards and a keen eye for hooks and melody.

Artist covering: Alanis Morrisette

Why this will work: Love or hate her Earth Mother aesthetic, there's no denying the indelible songwriting on Jagged Little Pill — something the Sham should be able to capture.

The Epic Mayhem
In reality: A ska-leaning band (it has a trombonist, after all) that's an equal-opportunity creator of raucous punk and somber rock.

Artist covering: Weezer

Why this will work: A disproportionate amount of ska fans (and/or ex-ska band members) love Weezer — and Rivers Cuomo and Co. were way more fuzz-punk than most people realize.— Annie Zaleski

8 p.m. Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13. The Bluebird, 2706 Olive Street. $13 under 21, $10 over 21. 18-plus. No phone. www.bluebirdstl.com.