OZOMATLI
Like Latin music? African? Hip-hop? Anything with a good beat? This octet is right up your alley. While some bands with similar melting-pot influences tend to sound a little unfocused and unoriginal, this L.A. group never fails to entertain. The fun begins with Parker House and Theory at 9 tonight at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn. Tickets, $20.50. Call (312) 923-2000; www.hob.com/chicago. Centerstagechicago.com.
More club shows after the jump …
BOB MOULD
Thirty years after forming his legendary punk band Husker Du and 20 years after his first solo album, “Workbook,” Mould is still going strong, gearing up to release a new album called “Life and Times” on Anti- Records on April 7. This weekend, he comes to the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, for a solo acoustic performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, $24-$28. Call (773) 728-6000; www.oldtownschool.org. — Jim DeRogatis
GREG GINN
The former Black Flag guitarist and SST Records impresario comes to the Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood, with the Taylor Texas Corrugators, one of several bands now benefiting from his six-string merger of noise-rock and free jazz. Jambang opens at 8 tonight. Tickets, $10. Call (773) 274-5463; www.heartlandcafe.com. —JD
CLARENCE BUCARO
The singer-songwriter’s new disc, “‘Til Spring,” is partially based on John Fante’s novel Wait Until Spring, Bandini, as well as eight years of travels that range from the entire Appalachian Trail to the Middle East. The collection of songs includes the inspirational “‘Til a Spring Wind Blows Again” and the beautiful love song “Renew My Faith In You.” At 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn. Tickets, $8. Call (708) 788-2118; www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. —Mary Houlihan
THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE
The RAA trio — Nils Edenloff, Amy Cole and Paul Banwatt — plays indie-rock folk songs born out of images culled from growing up in central and northern Alberta, Canada. The Spinto Band headlines the show at 9 p.m. Wednesday at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. Tickets, $12. Call (773) 525-2508; www.schubas.com. —MH
WILEY AND THE CHECKMATES
Herbert Wiley formed the original Checkmates in 1960. The group traveled the chitlin’ circuit backing performers such as Otis Clay, Percy Sledge and Syl Johnson, but by 1972, Wiley quit music to run the family business. Seven years ago, he was inspired to reform the Checkmates, fashioning a modern take on the sound of the original band. At 9 p.m. Saturday at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Tickets, $8. Call (773) 227-4433; www.hideoutchicago.com. —MH
