Shovels & Rope
It really is rock, country, punk and folk, but instead of some manufactured attempt to appeal to a mass audience, this husband-wife pair digs into each genre deeply and extracts an original sound that, as on “Coping Mechanism” on their new release, Swimmin’ Time, (which they performed earlier this month on Late Show With David Letterman), lures you in with a sweet country spirit just to bash your brains in (in the best way possible) with a rock-fueled buildup and eventual punk tension. Read more.
7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Social, $20-$25
Banditos
Mosey down to the pub to catch tight Nashville country act Banditos (Bloodshot Records) honky-tonking up the week with soulful songs. Bonus: Terri Binion is opening.
9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Will's Pub, $8-$10
Bruiser Queen
Dreamy garage-pop duo Bruiser Queen released Sweet Static last year, an album that begs you to oh-oh-oh along and is sure to be as intoxicating live.
9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at St. Matthew's Tavern, free
Yung Simmie
It's Friday, and you ain't got shit to do. So shut up and vibe to Miami rapper Yung Simmie and join the reefa party at Backbooth.
7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Backbooth, $20
Iris DeMent
Whether you prefer her vocalizing heart-wrenching insights on My Life, getting politically charged on The Way I Should or partnering up with John Prine for some of country’s cheekiest duets, you likely lost it when she bounded back in 2012 to release Sing the Delta, her first record in eight years and her heftily praised return to songwriting after 16 years of starving us of her brilliance. Read more.
7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Plaza Live, $29.75-$34.75
Orlando Music History Merch Swap
A bunch of former/current scenesters are cleaning out their garages of leftover merch from days of yore, asking their kids to show them how to record CSI on the DVR, and heading down to Lil Indies to give away T-shirts, buttons, compact discs and cassette tapes (what people used to listen to music on before vinyl) and plenty of other junk to whoever wants it. While you browse through the set dressing for probably the best possible episode of Hoarders, Mike Levin (Shyster, Sunday Morning Revival, the New Lows), Andy Matchett (Andy Matchett and the Minks, Andy Matchett and the Monorail) and Bob Hershberger (Bob on Blonde, Join Hands) perform old favorites. - Thaddeus McCollum Read more.
8-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Lil Indies, free
Machine Head
Oakland metal band Machine Head released Bloodstone & Diamonds last year despite a messy legal battle between bassist Adam Duce and the band after drama forced Duce out. Singer-guitarist Robb Flynn may be the band's only founding member on the record, but it still got rave reviews.
5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Beacham, $25-$28
Tin Roof Grand Opening
Central Florida country band Hayfire will warm the stage for David and Whitney at the grand opening (performing from 5-8:30 p.m.) as one of the early local acts to catch the ear of Tin Roof. Read more.
Noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at Tin Roof Orlando, free-$10
Wayne Hancock
Hank III is notably one of the Austin Western swing man Wayne Hancock's biggest fans, but then, his feel-good nostalgic sound draws just about any country fan with good sense to jump on Wayne's train.
5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Backbooth, $12
Open Mic hosted by Pearce Coffield
West End's weekly open mic benefits from the careful steering of seasoned local musicians who serve as hosts, like this week's guiding hand, ska man Pearce Coffield (Yugoskavia's original frontman).
8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at West End Trading Co., free
You Blew It! Instore Performance
Everyone’s favorite emo revival band (not just Orlando’s, though we’re lucky to have them) You Blew It! is set to release a new EP on Jan. 27, Pioneer of Nothing. Vice premiered a track just last week, “Bedside Manor,” hitting those shredded notes that will get any Jeremy Enigk fan’s blood going. To celebrate, You Blew It’s doing it in pure Orlando style by hosting a Park Ave CDs instore where they’ll debut new songs live before heading out on tour with Tiny Moving Parts at the end of the month. Read more.
6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Park Ave CDs, free
Meiuuswe
Funk-inspired duo Meiuuswe released their debut LP, Epstein's Denial, in December, finally giving us something tangible to help explain their utterly unique drum-and-keys grooves.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Red Lion Pub, free