Music Picks 

Thursday 8.10
COLIN ROBISON TRIO CD RELEASE

They call themselves the Taoist Cowboys. Some call them the gangsters of soul. In any case, the Colin Robison Trio are masters of roots music. Robison, joined by William Lovell III and Brian Thurber on Cost of Living, has an almost Jeff Buckley quality to his voice, wise and road-weary'however, he stops short of tragic. Lyrics are full of questions (“Why do we yearn for the temporal things?”), indicative of a spiritual quest that never dismisses blue-collar reality: “I’ll pay the toll, but my soul is not for sale.” Amen'or is it “Om”? Piper Down, 1492 S. State, 9 p.m. Info: 801-468-1492

Also Thursday: Blackpool Lights (Velour); Soulive (Gallivan Center); G. Love & Special Sauce (Elevate)

Friday 8.11
LADYFEST SLC

Remember Lilith Fair? OK, now forget it. The now-defunct music festival couldn’t hold a candle to Ladyfest, a more intense, all-encompassing celebration of female artists that is neither cheesy nor diva-centric. Since 2000, when musicians including Cat Power, Sleater-Kinney and Neko Case, joined writers, filmmakers, artists and more in Olympia, Wash., for the inaugural event, Ladyfests have sprouted up around the world. This year, Salt Lake City is getting in on the action. Chief organizer Engrid Olsen rounded up local bands of the female persuasion (or half and half) including Chubby Bunny, You Read My Diary, Kid Madusa and Less Than Never to perform at the first Ladyfest SLC. All proceeds benefit the Sioux Nation Relief Fund, so even misogynists should feel good about buying a $5 ticket. Free Speech Zone, 2144 S. Highland Dr., 2-11 p.m.

DAVID WILCOX

Nationally recognized folkie David Wilcox isn’t exactly a household name, but for those turned onto his soulful sound, he’s some kind of supernova. The singer/songwriter pens straightforward, spiritual (but not religious) songs detailing his glass-half-full take on life. Wilcox’s rich, soothing voice might grate on those averse to un-ironic love and happiness, however, even the hardened can dig on his ability to craft metaphor. While not an ideal subject for VH1’s Behind the Music'this is a man who tours with his wife and son in a biodiesel van sans booze, groupies or regret'Wilcox is proof positive of what good can come when you try a little tenderness. Holladay United Church of Christ, 2631 E. Murray Holladay Rd, 7:30 p.m. Info: 277-2631

• Also Friday: Nickelback (Delta Center); Our Time In Space (Urban Lounge); Drive-By Truckers (Suede); The Rubes, Bronco (Cabana Club)

Saturday 8.12

• What Made Milwaukee Famous (Kilby Court); Sons of Nothing CD Release (Depot); Rehab (Urban Lounge); Alice Cooper (Great Saltair, see Music p. 51)

Sunday 8.13

Nickel Creek (Red Butte Garden, sold out)

Monday 8.14

? Hurt (Avalon)

Tuesday 8.15

? Jessica Something Jewish (Kilby Court); Taarka (Hog Wallow); Reckless Kelly (Suede); Susan Tedeschi (Depot); Peaches (Urban Lounge, see Music p. 52)

Wednesday 8.16
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, MARS VOLTA

While some believe the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ musicianship petered out somewhere between Mother’s Milk and Blood Sugar Sex Magik, the veteran SoCal rockers still bring the infectious groove they first established in ’84. 2006’s epic double-disc Stadium Arcadium is 28 tracks of high-octane, radio-friendly “alternative” rock. Perhaps most importantly, they haven’t completely dissolved into prima donnas. Check the potshots they take at their grunge years in the video for “Dani California.” For something a little more raw (and a lot more prog), don’t miss Mars Volta. They completely overshadowed A Perfect Circle opening for Maynard’s side-project in 2004. See if the Peppers meet a similar fate tonight. Delta Center, 301 W. South Temple, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 325-7328

DEF LEPPARD, JOURNEY

Let’s get this out of the way: Insert obligatory one-armed drummer joke here. Now, can we just focus on how awesome this night of guilty pleasures shall be? Where would we be without “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me?” How many karaoke halls would ring with the deafening sound of silence? Come sing along, loud and proud “Just a small town girl …” Usana Amphitheatre, 5400 S. 6200 West, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499

Also Wednesday: Don Cabellero (Broken Record); Wednesday 13 (Burt’s Tiki Lounge)

COMING UP

Rebirth Brass Band, John Hammond (Gallivan Center, Aug. 17). Dr. John (Red Butte Garden, Aug. 17). Galactic (Harry O’s, Aug. 18). Brothers & Sisters (Kilby Court, Aug. 19). Envy (Kilby Court, Aug. 21). Ben Harper (Usana Amphitheater, Aug. 22). The Thermals (Kilby Court, Aug. 23). Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven (Gallivan Center, Aug. 24). Park City Jazz Festival (Deer Valley, Aug. 25-27). Bowling for Soup (In the Venue, Aug. 26). Univision Reggaeton Fest (Hollywood Connection, Aug. 26). Wolf Parade (In the Venue, Aug. 27). Drums & Tuba (Urban Lounge, Aug. 28). Sam Bush (The Depot, Aug. 28). Tool (E Center, Aug. 29). Dave Matthews Band (Usana Amphitheater, Aug. 30). Leahy (Kenley Amphitheater, Aug. 30). Toto (Sandy Amphitheater, Aug. 31).