Metro editors' picks: Kings of Leon Screamfest Lucinda Williams Family Values Tour Crowded House The Blind Boys of America

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Tues. Sept. 4; 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $99.50-$250 BUY TICKETS Stevie Wonder SONGS IN THE KEY OF LOVE: Following a decade-long hiatus, Stevie Wonder returned to the pop charts with his 2005 release, A Time 2 Love. The album was more than a comeback--it showed the world that the king of R&B could still make music as vibrant and poignant as ever, even if it came 40 years after his initial rise to stardom. Celebrated for his brilliant songwriting and innovative instrumentation, Wonder's social and political awareness further brought his music into the hearts of millions, earning him 19 Grammys and a list of various other awards and accomplishments a mile long. It's been quite a while since "The Little Wonder" found himself in the Bay Area (12 years to be exact), and we're betting fans of all ages and backgrounds will be thrilled to see Wonder run through his repertoire of classic grooves, including "Superstition," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "I Just Called to Say I Love You".

Wed. August 29, 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $50-$75 BUY TICKETS

Crowded House SOMETHING SO STRONG: If you don't remember Australian pop-rockers Crowded House, its OK--we kinda forgot too, at first. Then, being the responsible journalists we are, we looked them up and it all came back like resurgent '80s fashions. The year is 1987. Fluorescent color schemes and terrible haircuts have us all looking like characters out of a bad sci-fi movie, and the music is just as flamboyant. But out of the masses of synthesized electro-beats, Madonna albums and rock & roll hair-bands comes a song that is surprisingly different. With a flittering melody, a laid-back rhythm and a no-frills approach--it's Crowded House and their '86 single, "Don't Dream It's Over." Are we jogging your memory? Good, now head out to Saratoga's Mountain Winery and celebrate a time when it was cool to play with a Rubik's Cube. (Garrett Wheeler)

Wed. Aug. 29, 8pm San Jose Improv 62 S. Second St., San Jose 408.280.7475 $15

Improv Finals CREAM OF THE CROP: The best thing about contest finals is that all the crap has been weeded out, leaving only the cream of the crap to rise to the top--or whatever that saying is, the point being that 10 of the Bay Area's most talented comics will compete for the title of "King of the IMPROV." The Phenomenauts get things rolling with their toilet paper-laden space rock. Then, each of the comics will be introduced by 49ers cheerleaders posing as ring girls. And to top it all off, there's a mystery celebrity guest, which we're hoping is David Hasselhoff, because have you seen his drunken dad skit on YouTube? Hilarious, yet so realistic, it's almost sad.

Wed. Aug. 29, 8:30pm Cafe du Nord 2170 Market St., San Francisco 415.861.7374 $10

The Fold ALL TOO CATCHY: The Fold's greatest influences are Sunny Day Real Estate and Fountains of Wayne--enough said? This Chicago-bred band is on their way to San Francisco with their sophomore album, Secrets Keep You Sick, released in May 2007. Though taking lyrical cues from greats like Elvis Costello and Billy Joel, singer Daniel Castady fails to sound like anything but a cliché in these new songs. Sure, there is some lyrical depth to most of them, but ultimately they have the same familiar hooks, emo notes and maddeningly peppy beats that propel the current incarnation of the alt-pop scene. Their songs have been called infectious and said to remain with the listener long after the music is over. Translation: it's music that will be stuck in your head, happily bopping away as you're trying to fall asleep.

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Thu. Aug. 30, 9pm Vault Ultra Lounge 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.298.1112 Free before 11pm on guest list GUEST LIST Louie V's Rockstar Kickoff Party @ Vault LABEL WHORING: Start Labor Day Weekend early at Louie Vuitton's exclusive Rockstar Birthday Bash. The club scene's top promoters invite you to party like a rockstar with Wild 94.9's Jose Melendez, Vault's Jason Dee and DJ Zhaldee spinning the hottest hits. Dust off your pimp shoes and gather all your hustlers, swagsters and rockstars-at-heart to this wild party. It's sure to be on fire and features special photography coverage, so don't forget to dress to impress.

Thu. Aug. 30, 9pm The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $32.50 BUY TICKETS

Zap Mama POLYRHYTHMIC: If Zap Mama frontwoman Marie Daulne's life story were a movie, the super-condensed elevator pitch might sound something like this: Four children are born in Zaire to a Belgian father and Zairian mother. War breaks out; Simba rebels who oppose multicultural marriages murder white father. Mother flees into the forest with her four mixed-race children to take shelter with the Pygmies, whom the rebels fear possess otherworldy powers. Mother and children eventually escape to Belgium to live with father's family. Youngest girl comes of age, reconnects with her African roots and becomes an international world music/human beatbox star, blending hip-hop and dance music with the Pygmy yodeling sounds passed down from her mother. On her latest album, Daulne has returned to an earthier sound that revels in her scratchy and endlessly versatile vocal instrument.

Thu. Aug. 30, 8pm Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th St., San Francisco 415.621.4455 $15-$17

Mae MULTISENSORY AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE: Everyone has, at some point in their life, heard a song that has enough emotion, vibration or intensity that it gives them goose bumps, makes their hairs on their arm stand at full attention. Well, Mae has attempted to cultivate a lasting sound that has just that effect, and they're not doing such a bad job. Though Singularity, the album of their current tour, just debuted this month, the hit song "Sometimes I Can't Make It Alone" has been circling around the radio, Myspace and YouTube since June. With influences like Pearl Jam, U2 and Smashing Pumpkins, it's no wonder that the band presents songs with an intensity aimed at evoking emotion in their listeners.

Thu. Aug. 30, 5:30pm Music in the Park Plaza de Cesar Chavez Market Street and Park Avenue, San Jose Free

Lakeside DISCO IN THE PARK: Long live disco funk! Almost 30 years have gone by, but Lakeside's distinctive brand of funk and R&B hasn't lost its verve. Best known for their song "Fantastic Voyage," this band hails from an era when music was accompanied by flashing neon lights, big purple platform shoes and peppy choreography. Back in 1980, Lakeside performed "Fantastic Voyage" while wearing brightly colored pirate costumes and sparkling beads. No matter what they're wearing or how they're dancing this time around, Lakeside is sure to please everyone at Metro's Music in the Park by bringing their best danceable grooves back to the stage.

Thu. Aug. 30, 7:30pm Shoreline Amphitheater 1 Amphitheater Pkwy., Mountain View 408.998.TIXS $29-$65 BUY TICKETS

Toby Keith HEARTLAND HEART THROB: Grab your straw hat, your tightest Levis and your finest dancing boots and head on out to Shoreline for one of country music's most beloved artists, Toby Keith. This Okalahoma-born artist has been topping the Billboard Country Music charts for more than 10 years and has achieved more radio play than most country artists. Who cares if he's a jingoistic redneck? Toby Keith has had his music met with both praise and controversy but always manages to produce concerts that inspire a cheering, dancing crowd.

Thu. Aug. 30, 10pm Caravan 98 Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.995.6220 Free

Two Headed Spy MEN OF MYSTERY: With music that ranges from somber to heavy, Two Headed Spy is setting up camp at venues all around the Bay Area in a tenacious effort to gain popularity. Keeping up with the Caravan's theme of heavy rock chased with a shot of Jack Daniels, Two Headed Spy produces a heavy melodic sound with vocals that would fit in to some of goth music's whinier bands. Both dramatic and comical, this band manages to keep a beat that will give the crowd something to bob their head to between shots.

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Fri. Aug. 31, 7:30pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $39.50-$59.50 BUY TICKETS Screamfest CRUNK&B: Yeah, it's called "Screamfest," but don't let the moniker fool you--this isn't a hardcore punk show or a heavy metal concert. In fact, the only group who's going to be screaming is the throng of teenage fans in the front row as headlining R&B diva Ciara struts her stuff. Lil' Jon called her the "First Lady of Crunk&B," and the 21-year-old star has been all over commercial radio since her 2004 single, "Goodies," climbed to the top of the pop charts. Having recently wrapped up filming her feature film debut, Mama, I Want to Sing, the Texas-born vocalist/actress seems to be making a Beyoncé-like dash for Hollywood and the glory life. Joining Ciara on the countrywide tour are a host of hip-hop and R&B big-timers including rappers Young Joc and TI, as well as singers T-Pain and Lloyd. Get ready to scream your heart out with fellow teeny-bopping TRL lovers. (Garrett Wheeler)

Fri. Aug. 31 The Catalyst 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.423.1338 $29-$35 BUY TICKETS

Lucinda Williams AMERICANA IDOL: Lucinda Williams has a rabidly faithful Santa Cruz fan base, so it's a bit perplexing that she's not using this Catalyst gig as the kickoff for her fall concept tour, in which she plays two sets, the first comprised of one of her classic albums performed in its entirety. Williams' latest, West, is a surprisingly milquetoast effort for one of contemporary American music's finest songwriters, thought it has its moments. The opportunity to hear Essence or Car Wheels on a Gravel Road from blistering start to melancholy end would probably be the preference of die-hard fans. All the same, this show comes three dates before the "official" tour begins in L.A., so it's likely she'll be warming up the band with a set that draws deep into her catalog while hopefully focusing on the highlights of her newest album. (Paul Davis)

Fri. Aug. 31, 7:30pm Montalvo's Garden Theater 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $20-$50 BUY TICKETS

Blind Boys of Alabama GOSPEL TRUTH: Jesus may not have given the Blind Boys of Alabama sight, but lord did he give them voices with which to sing. Formed at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939, the Blind Boys have become a soulful gospel institution over the years, and sweet Jesus do the Grammy's love them--they've won the award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album every year from 2002 to 2007. Founding members Clarence Fountain and Jimmy Carter are still in the group, keeping it real while the younger members keep it fresh. (Mike Connor)

Fri. Aug. 31, 9pm The Blank Club 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose 408.292.5265 $8

Machete Revival and Veil Veil Vanish DEATH BY ROCK: Dark, foreboding and mysterious--no, it's not the latest Steven King novel, but the sinister sounds of Machete Revival would be a fitting soundtrack to any one of the famed author's works. Formed from the remnants of Bay Area rockers 187 Calm and S.L.A., Machete Revival transfixes listeners with a hypnotic brand of rock & roll that's part ambient noise and part modern rock in the vein of early Tool. Dynamic interludes, carefully constructed song structures and an array of minor chord changes create a sound that's something like the eerie calm that comes before the bloody murder scene in a good horror flick. And in this case, the murder weapon of choice is a machete. Also appearing at the Blank Club are Frisco post-punkers Veil Veil Vanish.

Fri. Aug. 31, Sat. Sept. 1; 7:30pm Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 408.998.TIXS $49.50-$85 BUY TICKETS

Chicago RIDICULOUS SUCCESS: The creators of some of the greatest make-out tunes of all time (for the feathered-hair set) are coming to Saratoga's Mountain Winery, and that can only mean one thing: Get a date, quick. With 20 Top 10 singles, 12 Top 10 albums and 120 million records sold, not even Marvin Gaye can match Chicago's ridiculous amount of commercial success. With record sales like that, it's likely the original rock band with horns actually contributed to the population boom, one sultry soundtrack at a time. Their music, while not blatantly sexual, had just enough feel-good energy to light fires across the globe, while simultaneously answering the question posed by their 1970 hit, "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" Time to feel the love, baby.

Fri. Aug. 31, 9:30pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Usual Cover

The Godzilla Party II @ Taste NUCLEAR POWER: Luckily, for those who missed out on the first Godzilla party at Taste there's another bash celebrating this green cocktail. Pro spinsters Nappy, Don Lynch and DJ Remedy will bump the club all night long while partiers sip on Bay's hottest drink, which will be discounted all night. Don't forget to wear some green in honor of this powerful drink and come prepared to dance the night away.

Sat. Sept. 1, 3pm Shoreline Amphitheater 1 Amphitheater Pkwy., Mountain View 408.998.TIXS $10-$60 BUY TICKETS

Family Values Tour MORE MEATLOAF: The benevolent-sounding Family Values Tour teaches lessons in post-hardcore, leading off with Evanescence, who bring as much drama to hard rock as Meatloaf brought to '80s pop rock, to equally tragic effect. Dispensing with the tears, Korn and Hellyeah whip out newfangled cock-rock with masculine aggression, which is, as Martha Stewart wouldn't say, "a good thing." Atreyu, Flyleaf, Trivium and Droid also perform. (Mike Connor)

Sat. Sept. 1, 8pm San Jose State Event Center 290 S. Seventh St., San Jose 408.998.TIXS $40-$75 BUY TICKETS

Alejandro Fernández JEALOUS GUYS: If Latin music is inherently romantic, the tender crooning of Mexico's Alejandro Fernández can be nothing short of heart-thumping passion, mariachi style. With a silky-smooth voice and looks that earned him a spot in People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful, it's no wonder the traditional balladeer-turned-Latin-pop-star has become one of Mexico's best-selling artists. The son of legendary ranchera singer Vincente Fernández, Alejandro was blessed with the kind of genes that make average men envious and force them to become music critics. But not everybody can sell 12 million records and win a Latin Grammy Award for Best Regional Song--can I?

Sat. Sept. 1, 9pm Pollyesthers inside the Stratosphere Hotel 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas 702.889.1980 $40-$110

Rockstar Las Vegas VEGAS BABY VEGAS: Labor Day Weekend's biggest party is worth the trip to Las Vegas to party like a rockstar. Northern and Southern California's top promoters come together to create Rockstar Las Vegas, maybe the most extravagant Labor Day party... ever? Polyesthers Club has four insane rooms, each with a different atmosphere. The first room features '70s and '80s hits with DJ Fashen, Herrick Hell and DJ David Q spinning old-school tunes. The second room is the main house room and has a huge stage where two live drummers and house DJs will keep the dance floor hopping. The Pure VIP room is reserved just for important people and is dedicated to those who purchase VIP ultra tickets. Hosted by Jesse Metcalfe of Desperate Housewives, this room also houses two live fashion shows during the evening. The hip-hop room features Northern and Southern California's best DJs spinning today's hits. For those who take Labor Day seriously, nothing can beat Rockstar Las Vegas.

Sat. Sept. 1, 9pm Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell St., San Francisco 415.885.0750 $12

Music for Animals SERENDIPTOUS: San Francisco-based Music for Animals formed in 2004 with a little help from Craigslist. Vocalist Jayson Martinovich and bassist Eli Meyskens split from their old band, One of Many, and quickly added guitarist Nick Bray, whom they'd seen perform years earlier. But the band was still short a drummer. The still not quite formed MFA posted a listing on Craigslist that caught the eye of Ryan Malley, and after a short courtship,, Malley joined. The guys gelled and are quickly becoming well known in the dance-rock circuit, so check them out as they perform hits from their new self-titled album.

Sat. Sept. 1-Mon. Sept. 3; 11am Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 14th and Broadway, Oakland 510.444.CITY $5

Comcast Art and Soul 60 BANDS: Didn't make it to all those summer concerts you keep reading about? Here's a chance to redeem yourself. In one three-day-long event, you can pack more music into your weekend than a 30 gigabyte iPod. The lineup of 60 (yes, six-zero) national recording artists includes musicians from multiple genres, including rock, blues, Latin, jazz and hip-hop. Chances are, if you've got any interest in music whatsoever, you'll find at least a handful of acts worth checking out. Standout performers are funky soul singer Jeffrey Osborne, rockers Against Me! and singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. The festival also features art exhibits, family activities and a variety of dance performances. Pack in the fun this Labor Day in downtown Oakland.

Sun. Sept. 2, 7pm Taste Ultra Lounge 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose 408.885.1016 Free before 11pm on guest list BUY TICKETS

Belvedere White Party @ Taste NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTE: Make sure your whites are their whitest before heading to the Belvedere White Party at Taste. Drink specials are featured all night long as Slick D, Don Lynch and DJ Rated R spin the best hip-hop, dance, old-school, mash-ups and house all night long. For those lucky enough to be turning 21 on Sunday, Belvedere bottles are going two-for-one. VIPs will get to check out a live performance by LemoLive, one of San Jose's best artists.

Sun. Sept. 2, 9pm Vivid 6 S. First St., San Jose 408.279.4444 Usual Cover

Mayhem @ Vivid REALITY PARTY: MTV will be at Vivid to help celebrate Labor Day weekend and Mayhem this Sunday. Film crews will record the night's events to be broadcasted on MTV this September--don't miss your chance to represent the South Bay's party scene. Who knows, maybe they'll like you enough to create a new reality show--just what the world needs. With $2 drinks until 11pm, there really isn't a good reason not to go. DJs P-One and Teddy Rockspin are stretching out their fingers to make sure this is the biggest Labor Day party to hit Northern California.

Sun. Sept. 2, Mon. Sept. 3; 8pm The Independent 628 Divisadero St., San Francisco 415.771.1422 $20

The Brian Jonestown Massacre TROUBLED GENIUS: Whether he likes it or not, Anton Newcombe will forever been known as the marginally functional but mostly insane (and often violent) genius behind the psychedelic rock band the Brian Jonestown Massacre, because that's how he came across in DIG!, an enthralling rock documentary that chronicles the parallel paths of two like-minded bands, the Dandy Warhols and the BJM, with one skewing toward success and the other careening toward destruction. Newcombe describes the documentary's portrayal of him as "Jerry Springer-esque" and "miscontextualized," but come on--it made him look like a freaking ROCK STAR. The boy genius is out on the road again with a new band and some recurring members of previous iterations.

Tue. Sept. 4, 8pm Warfield 982 Market St., San Francisco 408.998.TIXS $35 BUY TICKETS

Kings of Leon SOUTHERN CHARMERS: Maybe it's just a case of Southern charm, but Nashville-born Kings of Leon have captured my heart. The brothers Followill, along with cousin Matthew, add an extra kick in the ass and some pop-tinged twang to traditional Southern rock, making music better for head bobbing and foot tapping than beer guzzling and guitar shredding. The quartet's newest release, Because of the Times, finds the Kings playfully rolling around in varied waters, with songs such as "Charmer," a screechy ditty about a wily female, and "Knocked Up," a lengthy work about an unexpected pregnancy and youthful determination to keep the child. If you haven't had the pleasure of being raped by Ticketmaster this time around, Craigslist is not your only hope; the Kings will be back Oct. 6 with the Cure and others to tear up the Shoreline Amphitheatre for this year's Download Festival. (Claire Taylor)

coming up

Sun. Sept. 9, 9pm VooDoo 14 S. Second St., San Jose 408.286.VODO $10 GUEST LIST

Hip-hop Showcase feat. Rasco CUTTING EDGE: Rasco of Cali Agents headlines VooDoo's hip-hop showcase, a show dedicated to putting established Bay Area artists together with up-and-coming hip-hoppers. The result is interesting and fresh shows that help strengthen the NorCal rap scene. Rasco, hailing from San Francisco, uses methodical beats and razor-sharp lyrics that have made him a Bay Area favorite. Poeticali Disturbed, Peaseuere, Sean Blak, Tauares Daize and Infinity the MC & Douja Lounge join Rasco. The whole enchilada is presented by local horror-hop master Kung Fu Vampire, so you know this show will be nothing short of cutting edge.

Tue. Nov. 6, 6:30pm HP Pavilion 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose 408.287.9200 $39.50-$50.50 BUY TICKETS

Maroon 5 THIS LOVE: Grammy Award-winning Maroon 5 is back in action after a hiatus that followed their 2002 Songs About Jane album. Maroon 5's new material has been blowing fans and critics away--it's sexier and better than ever. The music world has seen tons of artists infusing soul into their music, but Maroon 5 excels at it, making them heartthrobs for many adoring female fans. Funky beats and Adam Levine's unique vocals are still what set Maroon 5 apart from other alternative rock bands. The HP Pavilion might be a huge venue, but Maroon 5, The Hives and Phantom Planet will undoubtedly fill it up with fans and beautiful music.

--Capsules that were taken from the Metroactive Club Newsletter were written by: RO, DB, SL, GW, MC & CT

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