Out and about: Imagine Dragons, Yo La Tengo, Lamb of God and more

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Black Moth Super Rainbow

spotlight show • This experimental, electronica ensemble is led by Thomas Fec, better known by the stage name Tobacco and revered in the underground scene for his novel approach to analog instrumentation and production. In a phone interview, Tobacco described Black Moth Super Rainbow's new album's sound as "demon skater." Last July, Tobacco created a Kickstarter campaign to fund the release of the album "Cobra Juicy." His goal was $45,000, but he received pledges totaling more than $125,000. Since Tobacco does all of his production at his home studio, the funds will help him create a physical album with special packages that include masks that fans can wear at shows. "I wanted a group of songs that I was really proud of, and fun to play live," he said. The Hood Internet and Oscillator Bug open.

When • Saturday, May 18, at 9 p.m.

Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $15 at 24Tix

Imagine Dragons

spotlight show • Although Imagine Dragons recently headlined a show at The Complex, the Las Vegas pop-rock band had no problem selling out the much-larger UCCU Center in Orem. No surprise, since frontman Dan Reynolds attended Brigham Young University and guitarist Wayne Sermon grew up in American Fork. The band's solo debut album, "Night Visions," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, an almost-unheard-of accomplishment for a first album. The singles "It's Time" and "Radioactive" also hit close to the top of the Billboard list. "There's so many bands that would love to be in our position," said Sermon in a phone interview. "We're a little shell-shocked now." When the band performs in Utah, Sermon said it is always "an extra-special show." The band wouldn't be where it is without the support of Utah fans and Club Velour, just down the road in Provo, he said.

When • Monday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.

Where • UCCU Center, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem

Tickets • Sold out

Yo La Tengo

spotlight show • The critically acclaimed indie-rock band from Hoboken, N.J., is still a little shaken up in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which decimated the city. "It's not completely back to normal," said frontman Ira Kaplan. But things are looking up for Yo La Tengo, which released its newest album, "Fade," earlier this year. To celebrate, the trio will perform two sets at The State Room. "We were looking for the best way to present the new material live," Kaplan said. It is only through music that fans are able to get a glimpse of the dynamics of the notoriously private band. "We're pretty adept at creating a pretty tight circle that is difficult to permeate," Kaplan admitted. Somehow, that process has worked, with 13 albums recorded since Georgia Hubley and James McNew began performing in 1984.

When • Monday, May 20, at 8 p.m.

Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets • $25 at thestateroom.com

Lamb of God

spotlight show • What a year the metal band Lamb of God has had. Shortly after releasing "Resolution" in 2012, band member Randy Blythe was arrested for manslaughter for an incident at a 2010 concert in Prague. He was charged with committing intentional bodily harm for pushing a 19-year-old fan who had climbed onstage. The teen hit his head and died from the injury. Lamb of God canceled its tour, and after 37 days, Blythe was released on bail. He was acquitted in March, but the Czech government plans to appeal. "It's about time," said bassist John Campbell of the exoneration. Now the band can go back to what it does best: tour with fury. "We are getting back on track," he said in a telephone interview. Later this year, a documentary on the band will be released. Shooting began before Blythe's arrest, but the documentary was able to capture the surreal events of 2012. Campbell applauded Blythe's resolve during the ordeal, noting that it was likely his recent sobriety that helped him transform. Decapitated and The Stranger Beside Me open.

When • Thursday, May 23, at 6 p.m.

Where • In The Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $25 in advance, $28 day of, at SmithsTix

Kate Nash

The UK songstress is touring behind her latest album, "Girl Talk."

When • Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m.

Where • Club Sound, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $15 advance, $17 day of; 24Tix.com

Siv & Maddie

The Boston-based duo performs a blend of acoustic, folk and pop. Harlem Shuffle and Good Things will open.

When • Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m.

Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $7 at 24Tix.com

John Gorka

With nothing more than his voice and a guitar, folk singer John Gorka has amassed a loyal following, during a career than spans more than 25 years.

When • Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, at 8 p.m.

Where • Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main St., Park City

Tickets • $20-$40 at egyptiantheatrecompany.org

Eagle Twin

The local metal band will perform. God's Revolver and La Verkin will open.

When • Friday, May 17, at 9 p.m.

Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $5 at 24Tix.com

Val & The Blue Cap

Local singer-songwriter combines jazz, blues and pop to create an original sound. Honest Soul and Logan James will open.

When • Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m.

Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $6 at 24Tix.com

Melange 4.0

Salty Cricket Composers Guild presents an evening of performances that mix art, dance, theater and music with an electronic twist.

When • Saturday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Where • Ladies Literary Club, 850 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $20 at sc3-melange.eventbrite.com

Limp Bizkit

The metal band fronted by Fred Durst will release its seventh studio album later this year.

When • Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $30 at SmithsTix.com

The Presets

The Australian electronic pop duo is touring to promote its third studio album, "Pacifica." Dragonette will open.

When • Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $19 at SmithsTix.com

Insane Clown Posse

Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope bring "The Mighty Death Pop!" tour to Salt Lake. Openers include Moonshine Bandits and Kung Fu Vampire.

When • Wednesday, May 22, at 8 p.m.

Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $26 advance, $30 day of; at SmithsTix.com

Kendrick Lamar

2012 was a breakout year for the L.A. rapper, whose "good kid, m.A.A.d. city" made its way onto many year-end "best of" lists. Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul also perform.

When • Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m.

Where • Saltair, 12408 W. Salt Air Drive, Magna

Tickets • $37.50; $40 day of; SmithsTix.com