This weekend? Busy. Very, very busy. Check out some of our critic's picks on the RFT's music page -- and read on below for much, much more to do.
Friday: Taste of St. Louis -- Downtown There's a little something for everyone at this annual event: Soul-funk (JJ Grey & Mofro), rock (Sister Hazel) and tribute-band (40 Oz. to Freedom, a Sublime homage). Throw in local bands older (Stranded Lads, Murder City Players, New World Spirits) and newer (Fresh Heir, Dogtown Allstars, Lamar Harris, The Takedown) and a blues stage -- all for free! -- and it's a perfect way to spend an early fall weekend. Free. Full schedule here; runs Friday-Sunday.
Benefit for Shagy Kennedy and Family @ Fubar Community mainstay Shagy Kennedy has been battling cancer, and to help alleviate his medical bills, his pals are gathering for a benefit. Reunion shows from Love Lost But Not Forgotten, Hitlist and the Esoteric, along with sets from The Humanoids, Cardiac Arrest, Machree, Everything Went Black (Kennedy's band) and Fister mark the night -- and that's just for starters. $10 minimum donation. 7 p.m. Non-smoking show.
Flesh Vehicle @ The Firebird By day, Tom Pappas plays in crunchy power-pop cult heroes Superdrag. At night, though, he fires up the side project Flesh Vehicle, a garage-rock outfit full of fuzzy hooks and vintage 'tude. Kindred spirits Tok and Bruiser Queen open. 9 p.m. $8 to $10.
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker @ The Gramophone Live soul and funk doesn't get any better than the inimitable Charles Walker, who's backed by the airight Dynamites. $20. 21-plus. More info.
Shawn Colvin @ The Sheldon Yes, we all know "Sunny Came Home" -- but folk artist Shawn Colvin has a rich,varied catalog dating back over two decades. She released Live last year. 8 p.m. $35 to $40.
Mike Posner @ the Pageant The soulful synthfunk phenom (admit it, you can't help but hum along to "Cooler Than Me") headlines a pop-loaded concert lineup, including Stephan Jerzak, 2 AM Club, Far East Movement, Bad Rabbits and XV. 7 p.m. $30. Saturday: KHITS 96 Rock 'N Cholesteroll 2010 @ Veterans Memorial Amphitheater in Jefferson Barracks Park The annual benefit is headlined this year by Eddie Money ("Two Tickets to Paradise," "Take Me Home Tonight") and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Mama's Pride is also playing. Ticket prices vary; info here.
Field Music @ Saint Louis University's The Billiken Club Psych-pop, classic-rock and next-level percussion collide in the danceable, thought-provoking music of this U.K. act. This year's Field Music (Measure) is its latest album. Union Tree Review and Old Lights are also playing. Free.
Spelling Bee CD release at Apop Records The fearless, uncategorizable dreamnoise duo of Joseph Hess and Mabel Suen unleashes its first full-length, Sweet Dreams, Strange Animal. Punk/hardcore vets Suburban Smash and noise-folk locals Theodore are also playing, and there is a secret special guest opening the show, so be there on time -- or before on time! 8:30 p.m. More info.
Sunday The Slackers @ The Firebird Ska/reggae/soul/dub/jazz the Slackers make a rare appearance in town. Call in sick on Monday if you have to -- don't miss this. Green Room Rockers and DJ100db are also on the bill. 7:30 p.m. $12 to $14
Trampled By Turtles/These United States @ Old Rock House The talented bluegrass vets with the cutest name in the biz headline with twang-fried road warriors These United States. 8 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
