The Ten Best Shows in St. Louis This Weekend: August 2 to 4

Killer Ray Allison w/ Mz. Peachez, Moondog J, Edo Ekic, Maurice Cade and Tre', Lady Kat, Moondog J, Edo Ekic, Sharon Foehner, Swingset @ Lemp Mansion 4 p.m. | $30/$35 This event has three B's: blues, beer and barbecue, all washed down with lots of hard lemonade. See blues artists including locals and performers from Chicago and Australia. Mention "Johnny Vegas" -- the dutiful MC for the evening -- at the door, and get five dollars off the admission price (which includes all of the above). (MS)

Second Annual World Beat Festival w/ Cut Chemist, Kreative Pandemonium, Zion and the Lion Roots Band, Ras Tree and the Roots Reggae Band, Mario Pascal, Phil Gomez Trio, Ras Tra, B-Wise, Hal Greens, MAKossa, Needles, JMO, Agile-1, Michael Kuelker, Mr. Roots, Dub Heezy, Slante, DJ Pome, Six1Nine, Scotty Mac @ Atomic Cowboy 2 p.m. | $20 For starters, this event is packed to the gills with talent both local and world-renowned. In particular, Cut Chemist used to DJ for Jurassic 5. If that isn't cred, we don't know what is. (DH)

Texas Hippie Coalition w/ Eve to Adam, Saence, Hallow Point @ The Firebird 8 p.m. | $15 Texas Hippie Coalition (or THC -- huh huh) plays what it refers to as "red dirt metal," influenced by Black Label Society, Pantera, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, ZZ Top, Corrosion of Conformity, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, according to the band. So, you know, that kind of music where you drink copious amounts of whiskey and fist-fight your friends and family in the front yard! (DH)

Tory Starbuck Project w/ Willis, Ransom Note, Old Capital Square Dance Club @ The Heavy Anchor 9 p.m. | $5 A mere five bucks for a fine, all local show filled with talented St. Louis musicians! (DH)

Also on Saturday: California Wives and, of course, the one-and-only Nelly.

Sunday (Aug. 4):

Kyle Sowashes w/ Kadu Flyer, Nefertiti, Matt Harnish's Pink Guitar @ Lemmons 8 p.m. | $5 We're not positive what "Matt Harnish's Pink Guitar" is, but we're willing to bet it is damn entertaining. Also, Columbus' Kyle Sowashes is damn good, catchy rock. Check them out for yourself. (DH)

For another option, check out Bottoms Up Blues Gang with Paper Bird.

Note: Though we wish we could, we can't feature every great show happening in town in just one measly post. Peruse the St. Louis concert calendar for more ideas any time. Let everyone know what else you're looking forward to seeing this weekend in the comments below, and send show tips to [email protected] to be considered for inclusion on these lists.