Music Picks 

THURSDAY 8/4

The Subdudes (Gallivan Center); Howie Day, Anna Nalick (Capitol Theater); The Heaters, The Hotness, Evolver (Urban Lounge); Mickey & the Motorcars (Egos)

FRIDAY 8/5

MÖTLEY CRÜE

We were admittedly a bit suspect when Mötley Crüe announced plans to reunite. Could Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, Tommy Lee and Mick Mars put aside their differences'not to mention drug and alcohol abuse'to bring back the rock? Well, Sunset Strip’s bad boys have thus far proved themselves more than capable of getting their s't together. They’ve managed to wow longtime fans while also recruiting fresh faces with the help of Sum 41, a group of nubile Canadians whose own popularity recently expanded via vocalist Derick Whibley’s engagement to teen “punk” sensation Avril Lavigne. Sound complicated? Don’t worry. Tonight is all about girls, girls, girls and the men who used to look like them. Usana Amphitheatre, 5400 S. 6200 West, West Valley City, 6 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499, SmithsTix.com (with Sum 41 and Silvertide)

THE TREMULA BON VOYAGE

It’s always fun to find out about noteworthy events in the ad section of your own publication, rather than receiving firsthand information regarding a local band’s new album. Where is the love? It doesn’t really matter. What matters is attending one of The Tremula’s last shows to shake to fresh-off-the-boat tracks before our fabulous indie poppers head off on an impressive three-month tour! Aww … they grow up so fast! Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, 10 p.m. Info: 746-0558 (with Vile Blue Shades and Paper Cranes)

LIMBECK

Post-alt-country rockers Limbeck maintain a sense of humor while rebelling against the O.C.’s routine pop-punk template. Photo captions from their 2003 U.S./U.K. tour are telling of biting wit and down-to-earth ethos. Of course, the group seems to balance laughter with serious devotion to craft, particularly while recording follow-up material to Hi, Everything’s Great. Two years later, the now-seasoned quartet is ready to unveil Let Me Come Home, an album reflecting growth and increased attention to the country side of alt-country. Tonight presents a chance to sneak preview material before it hits the streets Aug. 9. Lo-Fi Café, 127 S. West Temple, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with Koufax, The Annuals and Meg & Dia)

n Also Friday: Heiruspecs (Egos); Gene Loves Gezebel (Suede); Torrey Music Festival (Torrey, Utah)

SATURDAY 8/6

LeAnn Rimes (Delta Center); Vendetta Red (In the Venue); 311 (Usana Amphitheater); 311 Afterparty (Burt’s Tiki Lounge); Biirdie (Urban Lounge); Six (Velvet Room); Andrew Innes (Vortex); Slaughter, L.A. Guns (Ogden Amphitheater); Torrey Music Festival (Torrey, Utah)

SUNDAY 8/7

FLUFFGIRL BURLESQUE

So you think your local Pabst ‘n’ pasties bar is the pinnacle of exotic dancing? Think again. Since forming in 1997, Fluffgirl Burlesque has strived to revive the golden era of stripping, before fake boobs, sprayed-on tans and boring metal poles. The Canadian-based performance group is currently turning up the heat with “Jungle Exotica,” a Tiki-themed event featuring Fluffgirl founder Cecilia Bravo, comedic striptease artist The Indra and Chica Boom. The retro variety show will also include unique musical and comedic offerings from Count Smokula, the King of Funtasy. Remember, while the ladies will be removing their elaborate costumes, guests are encouraged to remain dressed to impress. Burt’s Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State, 9 p.m. Info: 521-0572.

Also Sunday: Julie Roberts (Red Butte Garden); Sworn Enemy (Lo-Fi Café); Torrey Music Festival (Torrey, Utah)

MONDAY 8/8

BLUE SAGE

July 4th Part Deux has come and gone, however that’s no reason to stop celebrating our Western heritage! Tonight, sit down with Cowboy Poet Don Kennington and his pals in Blue Sage, an acoustic folk trio with a penchant for tumbleweeds and saddles, not to mention fiddles and banjos. Folk up the jam with Shauna Iverson, Mike Iverson and Rob Ricks as the trio relays its notion of nostalgic reverie. Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, 6:30 p.m. All-ages. Info: 965-5108 (with Utah Old Time Fiddlers).

Also Monday: Society’s Finest (Lo-Fi Café); Jim Yoshii Pileup (Kilby Court); Morningwood (Urban Lounge)

TUESDAY 8/9

JOHN HIATT

What do Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Glen Danzig and Elvis have in common? Their vocals are completely unique and easily recognizable'even among those unable to “name that tune.” Singer-songwriter John Hiatt also bears a trademark sound, although his rough, twangy voice echoes through less high-profile circles. Despite enjoying steady success, Hiatt isn’t universally beloved'at least not yet. The seasoned artist’s latest effort, Master of Disaster, could boost his visibility. North Mississippi All-Stars’ Cody and Luther Dickinson, along with Muscle Shoals bassist David Hood, deserve credit for steering the blues-fueled album toward broader pastures. Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, U of U Research Park, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 325-7328, Ticketmaster.com (with Shawn Colvin)

Also Tuesday: Kid 606 (Kilby Court); Longwave (Urban Lounge); Ra (Club Vegas)

WEDNESDAY 8/10

SPINTO BAND

You’ve heard this story before: A couple of brothers and sisters from different families unite under the banner of indie rock. They are only recently of drinking age. Their upbeat enthusiasm fuels high-energy numbers full of oohs and ooh-la-las. Familiar themes aside, Spinto Band deserves all sorts of props for achieving success without spending years touring any bar circuit. Its members started playing in middle school, squeezing in practice sessions between geometry and making out at the dance. Now they’re in college, squeezing in performances between Philosophy 101 and making out at home. Come check out the results. Then, go make out. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7 p.m. All-ages. Info: 320-9887, KilbyCourt.com (with Kathryn Cowles and Head of Femur)

COMING UP

Hank Williams III (In the Venue, Aug. 11). Gallivan Folk & Bluegrass Festival (Gallivan Center, Aug. 13). Ozzfest 2005 (Usana Amphitheater, Aug. 16). Los Lonely Boys (Deer Valley Resort, Aug. 16). PeelanderZee (Burt’s Tiki Lounge, Aug. 16); Shooter Jennings (Velvet Room, Aug. 17). CKY (Lo-Fi Café, Aug. 20). Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Ogden Balloon Festival, Aug. 20). Kasey Chambers (Red Butte Garden, Aug. 23). Jack Johnson (Usana Amphitheater, Aug. 23). American Idols Live (Delta Center, Aug. 26). Crosby, Stills & Nash (Usana Amphitheater, Aug. 27). Flogging Molly (In the Venue, Sept. 1). Wayne “The Train” Hancock (Piper Down, Sept. 1). Tori Amos (Usana Amphitheater, Sept. 6).