Out and about: Paramore and The Milk Carton Kids headline musical week in Utah
Paramore
spotlight show • In between Paramore's 2009 album "Brand New Eyes" and its recently released self-titled album, the pop-rock band from Tennessee lost two of its founding members, including one of its main co-writers. That meant guitarist Taylor York had to step up to write songs with frontwoman Hayley Williams. "It was very intimidating," York said in a recent phone interview. "I never feel like I know what I'm doing. I had written, like, five complete songs before this. But it could have been a strength because I didn't feel like I had to stay in the boxes." York delivered, and "Paramore" is the young band's best creation to date. It's also one of the most dynamic rock albums released so far this year. "We didn't want to be a different band, but we wanted to push ourselves," said York, who doesn't know why he, Williams and bass player Jeremy Davis work so well together. "If people knew, they would be able to manufacture bands," he said. "I'm just grateful."
When • Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m.
Where • Saltair, 12408 W. Saltair Drive, Magna
Tickets • $35 in advance, $40 day of, at SmithsTix
The Milk Carton Kids
spotlight show • The Southern California folk duo has three albums, but the first two were offered as free downloads only. "It was a big decision for us," said Joey Ryan about selling their songs for the first time. The new album, "The Ash & Clay," has attracted attention for its throwback sound — a record with instrumentation out of the Dust Bowl, albeit with better sound quality. The creative relationship between Ryan and his bandmate Kenneth Pattengale has evolved over the years "from fast friends to brothers to a married couple in all the positive and negative ways," he said. "We bicker like an old married couple." One example is when Ryan, Pattengale and Ryan's wife were in the midst of a long van ride and Ryan and Pattengale engaged in a 45-minute argument about windmills. "My wife was with us and she almost jumped out of the window — and it was a moving vehicle." For all their arguing, the musicians always remember their roots. "We spent time on the porch learning to play together," Ryan said. "That's where we came together. It's the spiritual home of the band." The Barefoot Movement opens.
When • Monday, May 6, at 8 p.m.
Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15 at thestateroom.com
Don Williams
A country music legend whose career has spanned four decades.
When • Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Weber State University, 1905 University Circle, Ogden
Tickets • $33-$38 at weberstatetickets.com
Andre Nickatina with Roach Gigz and MUMBLS
The Bay Area underground rapper will perform with special guests Roach Gigz and MUMBLS.
When • Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $25 at SmithsTix.com
Robotic Pirate Monkey
The Boulder-based electronic trio is headlining the Booty Snatch Tour. Special guests R/D and Alpha Data
When • Friday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • The Pickle Factory, 741 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $12 advance, $15 day of; at SmithsTix.com
Hillfolk Noir
This Boise-based band combines blues, country and swing. Hectic Hobo will open.
When • Friday, May 3, at 8 p.m.
Where • Bar Deluxe, 666 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $5 at 24Tix.com
Faun Fables
This psychedelic folk band is the brainchild of frontwoman Dawn McCarthy. Purr Bats will open.
When • Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at 24Tix.com
Gonzalo Bergara Quartet
An all-acoustic four-piece performs a modern version of Gypsy jazz, inspired by the 1930s Django Reinhardt.
When • Saturday, May 4, at 9 p.m.
Where • State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $17 at thestateroom.com
John Fullbright
This Oklahoma-based singer-songwriter's album "From the Ground Up" received a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album of the year.
When • Sunday, May 5, at 8 p.m.
Where • State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15 at thestateroom.com
Maps & Atlases
The Chicago-based indie rockers are touring to promote their latest album, "Beware and Be Grateful."
When • Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $12 at 24Tix.com
Metz
The noisy, Canadian indie three-piece band is touring in support of its self-titled debut. No Joy and Grabbing Ghosts will open.
When • Monday, May 6, at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $8 at 24Tix.com
Shabazz Palaces
The Seattle-based hip-hop collective, which includes Palaceer Lazaro and Baba, is coming to Salt Lake with guests Theesatisfaction and Malitia Malimob.
When • Tuesday, May 7, at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $12 at 24Tix.com
Big Boi
Best-known as half of the hip-hop duo Outkast, the Atlanta-based rapper recently released a solo album called "Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors," which spawned the single "Mama Told Me."
When • Thursday, May 9, at 9 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $26 advance, $31 day of; SmithsTix.com