PUNK | Rule #9
w/ Eye On Attraction, Ntepotism
Wed. July 9
8 p.m.
Free
The Sparrow

Charleston’s Rule #9 are big fans of pop-punk, and it’s obviously the foundation of their sound, but like many second wave post-millennial emo acts, they also like to toss in more aggressive post-core elements. Though the band only began three-and-a-half years ago, its members have been playing together since 2006 and clearly bear the imprint of the era. It’s there on tracks like the swelling “Independence Day” and the screamo of “My Favorite Shade of Red,” which contrasts a spooky-elegant piano intro with Cookie Monster growls, thudding breakdowns, and an extended sample from the film Grapes of Wrath. Tracks like the spunky “City of Lights,” even suggest Rule #9’s ability to pen the kind of winsome, hard-charging single that could break on radio (with better production). Since forming behind Kyle and Kevin Porter and their friend Robbie Drawdy, Rule #9 has grown into a quintet and released an EP each of the last three years. Their recordings are pretty tight, and they’ve shown the ability to tackle a variety of styles, but what’s missing is a full-length album that could go a long way in establishing a more distinct identity. ­—Chris Parker NEXT WEDNESDAY

GOSPEL | Music Independence Fest
w/ Joshua Rogers, Algeron Wright, Mike Brown & F.O.C.U.S., Vernita Dunbar, Carl Bright & Family, Da’rrell Ravenell, Brian McClain, and more
Sun. July 6
6 p.m.
Free
Walmart
7400 Rivers Ave.

The Sunday after Independence Day, the celebration continues as talented Christian musicians join forces for a free show in North Charleston. “The Music Independence Fest is a one-day summer music festival that provides a great family atmosphere, and our theme [is to] celebrate faith, family, freedom, and Christ,” says Gerald Footman, an event representative. The show will feature soulful tunes by national recording artist Joshua Rogers (also the youngest winner of BET’s Sunday Best), plus Algeron Wright, Mike Brown & F.O.C.U.S., Vernita Dunbar, and many more. Folks of all ages will be taking the stage to share spiritual songs, so you can look forward to seeing some cute kids up there belting away. Last year’s event drew hundreds of people to the Rivers Avenue Walmart in North Charleston to celebrate and groove along to everything from gospel to jazz. The event will take place rain or shine, and though some seating may be provided, showgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs to this parking-lot party. —Michaela Michienzi SUNDAY

GYPSY JAZZ | The Resonant Rogues
w/Davis Coen, Nikki Talley, The Woodgrains, Mississippi Kites, Silver Screen Orchestra
Wed. July 9
6 p.m.
$5
Awendaw Green

The Resonant Rogues are a real treat. If you’re in the mood for something groovy, a little off-kilter, and altogether fun to listen to, then you need to familiarize yourself with this Asheville band immediately. Go ahead. I’ll wait. OK. Welcome back. First off, was I right, or was I right? If you checked out the band’s most recent work, April’s Swing Set EP, then you know exactly what I’m talking about here. You have to love the lumbering gypsy-jazz pacing of “When I’m Gone,” or the way the acoustic guitar, violin, and accordion all meld together seamlessly on tracks like “What Lies Ahead.” Of course, maybe your favorite part was when vocalist, banjoist, and accordion player Sparrow added sassy, almost seductive lines like “He’s got the most nice everything in town” on the ragtime-style track “Most Nice,” or when she showed off her French on “Douce Ambiance.” There’s a lot to like here, especially since The Resonant Rogues sound like a gleefully unplugged street band just trying to give you another reason to enjoy your summer night out. This is fine entertainment, so stop reading this, and go discover your new favorite band now. In addition to a performance on the laid-back grounds of Awendaw Green, the band will also play on Thurs. July 10 at The Mill in North Charleston and Fri. July 11 on Folly Beach at Chico Feo. —Brian Palmer NEXT WEDNESDAY

NERD RAP | Random, ProjektZero, and Press B
Wed. July 9
9 p.m.
$5
Tin Roof

Local hip-hop acts Press B and ProjektZero will join Phoenix-based artist Random for a night of self-professed “nerd rap.” What’s nerd rap, you ask? Drum-machine beats, video game-inspired synthesizers, and fierce space-age rap combine to “evoke a sound that introverts everywhere can hum along to,” says Matthew Rittinghouse of ProjektZero. Charleston-based emcee Press B, “born in the year 2,311,240 in the Alpha Lyrae star system,” apparently got sent back in time to spit sick raps and to save the future. Random, a.k.a. MegaRan, a middle school English teacher by day and rapper by night, was one of the first independent artists to secure an exclusive licensing agreement with a major video game developer — meaning he made his name by rapping over the MegaMan soundtrack, folks. “What sets us apart from other music in the scene,” says Rittinghouse, “is the fact that ‘nerdcore’ musicians, as a whole, always write from a geek’s perspective — and we don’t do it at the expense of the music, which I think makes the music a lot more relatable.” —Lindsay Anne Bower NEXT WEDNESDAY

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