Take one cup Beatles, one cup Beach Boys, toss in a splash of Weezer, a dash of the Cars, Queen and Cheap Trick and finish with a pinch of Jellyfish and E.L.O., and what do you think you’d come out with? Rooney, a band with rock-based licks, dance inducing drumbeats and catchy lyrics sung by swoon-worthy frontman Robert Schwartzman—younger brother to actor Jason (who, not coincidentally, is also the drummer for fellow LA pop band Phantom Planet) and son to actress Talia Shire. Rooney’s recently released CD, Calling The World (Geffen Records) follows the band’s 2003 self-titled debut album. Reminiscent of a mini-rock opera, Calling the World has gotten even more enthusiastic response than Rooney did, if such a thing is possible, the latter having been hailed as “The feelgood hit of the summer,” “The Real Deal” and “Perfect summer pop fun” by a host of jaded L.A. critics. If the company the band keeps is any indication of its future direction, early-career gigs opening for Weezer, the Strokes, OK Go and Pete Yorn have certainly steered Rooney into the adoring arms of young fans across the country. The current tour features Rooney solo, and it’s definitely their time. Local support comes from Picture This and Redwater.

Hordes of people in downtown Buffalo, all migrating in a similar fashion and direction, means the fans are heading to Lafayette Square for one of the most fun summer traditions to ever hit the city. The crowds, the atmosphere, the little beer tributaries winding their way around hundreds and hundreds of feet—all brought together to hear great live music under the sun—are just a few reasons why people seem to love this concert series so much. Oh, did I mention it’s free? Celebrating its 21st year, Thursday at the Square (TATS) kicks off with two bands who have made names for themselves through powerful live performances. Umphrey’s McGee, a Chicago band who just released their fourth studio album, The Bottom Half (Sci Fidelity), and Tea Leaf Green, one of rock’s fastest growing musical acts on the west coast, will take the stage next for 2007’s inaugural performance. A little tip for anyone who hasn’t yet made it to the Square: Get there early if you plan on finding someplace to sit, or get creative and climb a tree. You’re going to want a good view.

I’ve always said that indie-rock could use more organ! The Chicago trio Oh My God has been thrilling audiences for the past five years with a quirky rock sound full of originality from organ player “ig.” In that time they’ve recorded four albums using only bass, drums and organ. However for their latest album, Fools Want Noise (Split Red Records), they turned to Jake Garcia (of Darediablo) to play electric guitar. On the road they will be bringing Matt Lenny to wield the axe and show off this exciting new direction. The new sound is energetic and retains the catchy vocal hooks, foot tapping rhythms and flashes of organ that has kept their sound fresh. The title song from the album showcases this quality, with a fast guitar rhythm blended with a heavy organ groove rounding out a powerful track. This doesn’t mean Oh My God has turned to a harder sound, but the guitar has found its place in assisting the rest of the band, in driving home those catchy hooks that have been a prominent element of their music, and freeing up ig’s organ for even more melodic improvisation. The Pancake Junkies open the show.

Willard Grant Conspiracy is a loose collective that revolves around singer/songwiter Robert Fisher. Formed in Boston in the early 1990s, the concept of Willard Grant Conpiracy came about when Fisher and friends worked on some songs while trying out a friend’s new home studio. As the studio was located on the corner of Willard and Grant Streets, the group became known as the Willard Grant Conpsiracy (WGC). Since then, over 40 “members” of the band have contributed to their recordings, and live shows have contained between one to fourteen people onstage, adding viola, saw, mandolin, cello and various other instruments to the standard guitar, bass and drums mix. Over the course of six albums, various EPs and limited releases, WGC has charted a territory of rural gothic folk intertwined with rock, country and experimental sounds. While one may find their music sad and downbeat, it is ultimately some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear. Opening the evening’s show are Tracy Morrow and the Magi Chippie and Ellen West. Come hear why Britain’s Uncut Magazine (among others) routinely hails Willard Grant Conspiracy’s recordings as some of the best they’ve heard all year.