Rittz, Raz Simone & Tuki Carter (Friday, August 1)

GA emcee Rittz

While most mainstream rappers like to color in the lines with rhymes covering cash, drugs, misogyny and more drugs, Atlanta’s Rittz stays on target, putting a fresh spin on tired topics. With a tongue-in-cheek name to poke fun at his whiteness, Rittz’ self-deprecating lyrics get outside the material goods and name drops of modern rap, while retaining a certain radio catchiness. As both an emcee and a tattoo artist, Taylor Gang member Tuki Carter has a bold understanding of two art forms and cultures with crossover influence on each other. Sweeping theatrical scores play backdrop to Raz Simone’s powerful raps. Although the instrumentals are subtle, its impact on the poetry in motion is on a grand scale. $15, 7pm, Backstage Live, 1305 E Houston, (210) 782-2817

We Leave at Midnight, Demitasse, Michael J. and the Foxes (Friday, August 1)

Led by singer John Dailey, We Leave at Midnight touts Pet Sounds harmonies and honky tonk piano lines on their 2012 self-titled release. Informed by recent loss and delicate joys in their personal lives, Demitasse’s Blue Medicine represents Joe Reyes and Erik Sanden’s most exposed, emotionally spry and career-topping effort. The album takes listeners through a passage of injury and cleansing, laid bare in Blue Medicine’s minimal recording style. Led by Michael Carrillo of Deer Vibes, Michael J. and Foxes wield a sparse sound opposite to Carrillo’s indie rock orchestra. With Ruby the Rabbitfoot. $5, 9pm, 502 Bar, 502 Embassy Oaks, (210) 257-8125

Lochness Mobsters, New Hampshire, Creatura, The Bolos (Friday, August 1)

Originally from Lake Charles, La., Lochness Mobsters have transported their swampy, surfy gang vocals to Austin. The wandering, slow-churning tunes of New Hampshire, stark yet fully-realized, are a welcome addition to SA psych. Meanwhile, Creatura’s recent Open the Door EP feels old and new at once, fusing elements of surf, ’60s psych and folk with more contemporary sensibilities. A recent addition to SA music, the Bolos rock straight-laced garage joints with enough tricks up their sleeves to bring you back for more. 9pm, Limelight, 2718 N St. Mary's, (210) 995-7229

 Nicolette Good, Colin Gilmore (Saturday, August 2)

SA singer-songwriter Nicolette Good

Fans of SA singer Nicolette Good are currently waiting on her next, Kickstarter-funded release. The follow-up to her 2012 LP Monarch, the upcoming material was written during Good’s time at the Lighthouse Works artist residency program. On his 2013 LP The Wild and Hollow, singer-songwriter Colin Gilmore shows a light and practiced hand at arrangement.  8pm, Fishead MicroGallery, 1028 N. Flores, (210) 326-3474

Miss Nessie & the Ear Food Orchestra (Sunday, August 3)

SA's Miss Nessie and the Earfood Orchestra

Floore’s gospel brunch features SA’s Miss Nessie & the Ear Food Orchestra, a big band that plays a mix of blues, dixie, zydeco and Americana. Think closer to the Lyle Lovett Big Band than the stuff of Duke Ellington. $9.95 - $21.95, 11am, Floore's Country Store, 14492 Old Bandera, 210-695-8827