Hall & Oates
Details: Wednesday, 8 p.m. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. $49.50-$79.50. (727) 791-7400.
Hitmakers Hall & Oates struck gold with an endearing combo of soul, pop, funk and new wave in the '70s and '80s. It's still the kind of stuff that brightens time in the dentist chair and rides on a road trip and gets delightfully butchered in karaoke bars. You'll probably hear the hits Rich Girl, Kiss on My List, Private Eyes and Maneater, but the duo is making a point to play tracks from early in its career neglected on past tours. By the way, Oates ditched his trademark mustache, just in case you were wondering who the new guy was.
Ratatat
With Tussle, Despot, DJ Lazy, DJ Rig
Details: Friday, 8 p.m. The Ritz Ybor, 1503 Seventh Ave., Ybor City. $21. (813) 247-2555.
Without uttering a word, Brooklyn electronic-rock duo Ratatat makes a grand statement. Perhaps that's why they've provided the soundtrack to forensics investigations (CSI), off-road driving (Hummer commercials) and thought-provoking narratives (This American Life). Other instrumentals conjure up images of a video game quest for golden points. But discounting the group as a background-music act would be a mistake. Odd video clips and smoke and light machines complement it all. And fans of Cut Copy, Justice, Daft Punk and Mogwai should approve.
Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women and Julie Black CD Release
Details: Friday, 8 p.m. Skipper's Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. $13-$18. (813) 971-0666.
Over 25 years, acoustic blues trio Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women has carried traditions of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie through sassy, clever songwriting and rowdy guitar, piano, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass and harmonica. New album Havin' The Last Word will be the group's final declaration. New Port Richey's Julie Black, nicknamed "Angel for Blues," blends Delta blues and piano-driven jazz for silky smooth fun.
98Rockfest
Featuring Disturbed, Chevelle, Staind, Hollywood Undead, Static-X, Halestorm, Nonpoint, Cavo, Uncrowned, Adelita's Way
Details: Friday. Free outdoor show starts at 2:15 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Tickets start about $30, but you can get a four-pack for $98. (813) 301-2500.
After a few seasons at Ray Jay, 98Rockfest moves the party indoors at the Forum. Disturbed's balancing of muscle-y riffs, melodic hooks and "cawwws" makes for good headlining material. Chin-pierced frontman David Draiman says this kind of rock is meant for full-out "purge" and/or "catharsis," so watch your shoes. Chevelle is spot-on live, crunching out songs like Vitamin R with power and precision (a la Deftones, Tool). And if you can't afford a ticket, bands including Nonpoint will play for free outside in the Plaza. Note: Duff McKagan (bassist for Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver, and financial columnist for Playboy!?) and Saliva are now off the bill.
Got a concert tip for Carole? E-mail her at carole.giambalvo@gmail.com.
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