WEDNESDAY 6/13
DAVE CHAPPELLE
7 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall. $64.
Who saw this one coming? Anybody? The comedy world's closest equivalent to J.D. Salinger is coming to ... Little Rock and Memphis? The last I'd read of Dave Chappelle was back in July 2011 when he did a two-night stint for charity at a Miami casino, and the first night ended with him standing there at length, answering text messages and telling all of one joke, apparently because a bunch of yahoos in the front were filming the set with their phones. Now that is some tacky behavior for sure, but did it warrant giving the silent treatment to the non-mouth-breather contingent of the audience as well? I don't know, but I'm inclined to sympathize with Chappelle on this one because probably more than most comics, he's had to deal with obnoxious fans ("Man, I bet everybody'll think it's hilarious when I scream 'I'm Rick James, bitch!' right in the middle of Dave's set!"), but also because I just really, really want everybody to put away their $*¥%@#! phones for one minute. But aside from the Miami incident (for which he apologized and mocked himself the next night) I'm intrigued by reports of Chappelle working out new material at impromptu late-night sets at small comedy clubs. Daily Beast columnist Touré described one of these shows and said that while the set meandered a bit and didn't really have a theme, Chappelle killed and his "comedy muscles remain cock diesel." The crowd at Robinson will get to find out for sure, but please (and I really shouldn't have to say this), people: keep your catchphrases and your phones in your pockets. RB.
FRIDAY 6/15
WAR CHIEF
9 p.m. Stickyz.
Of all the best Arkansas bands playing right now, I think War Chief has as much of that elusive and mysterious "break-out potential" as any other group going. The band did well in the 2012 Times Musicians Showcase, making it to the final round and getting the crowd onboard with its melodic rock-folk. Their songs are accessible and contemporary, and while the group certainly draws on the influence of giants — think a less shaggy Crazy Horse — they've got their own sound. Essentially, the band plays a tasteful, smart, modern version of classic rock: the music is rocking (as opposed to cheekily "rawking"); there are guitar solos; front man Grayson Shelton is a singer, not a yarler. I've only heard a couple of tracks from War Chief's forthcoming full-length, but I was certainly not disappointed. The two tracks were allegedly rough mixes, but they sounded fine to these ears, with soaring six-string action and a Hammond B3 (or something close to it) swirling around in the mix that's reminiscent of prime, mid-'60s Dylan. The album, titled "Love Letters from Prester John," should be available at this show. Opening acts are the raucous country-rockers Swampbird and a solo set from Fayetteville showman Randall Shreve. RB.
SATURDAY 6/16
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Noon. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Free.
Juneteenth, which commemorates the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas, is now a state holiday or observance in 41 states, including Arkansas. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became official in 1863, it wasn't until 1865 that the news reached Texas and Gen. Gordon Granger began enforcement of emancipation on June 19. The holiday was typically observed at churches and in rural areas — because of segregation — and usually entailed barbecues, games, rodeos, fishing and prayer services, according to Juneteenth.com. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will celebrate with activities for kids, food vendors, live entertainment, a rock climbing wall and more, from noon to 7 p.m. The celebration includes live music from Nicky Parrish, Afrodesia with Tim Anthony, Essie the Blues Lady, The Girls & Boys Choir of Little Rock, Butterfly and Irie Soul, Billy Jones Bluez, The Gloryland Pastors Choir and Foreign Tongues poetry group. At 1:30 p.m., there will be a short play about the importance of celebrating Juneteenth. RB.
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Tom Keifer at Revolution
Also, 'J Dilla Change My Life' at The Joint, Nathaniel Rich at South on Main, Good Time Ramblers at Stickyz, 607 Presents: Block Monster Party at Revolution, Running of the Tubs in Hot Springs and 'Buzz-B-Q' at the North Little Rock RV Park.
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Also, Thick Syrup Anniversary Shows at White Water Tavern, 'The Main Thing: Wiener Day at the Rollercade' at the Joint, Ola Podrida at Vino's, Arkansas Delta Rockabilly Festival, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at Robinson Center Music Hall and Kvelertak at Downtown Music.
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Fleetwood Mac to Verizon
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