The lineup at Nietzsche’s this Friday (Jan. 18) features an array of genres, including indie rock, alt.country and soul. Shambu (pictured) performs textured pop in the vein of the Decemberists, the Shins and Death Cab For Cutie. The band, which includes guitarist/vocalist Peter Burakowski, multi-instrumentalist Dan Reitz, bassist Mike Milazzo, will be joined by special guests Ange Sciarino (French horn) and Jonathan Filbert (trumpet). Also on board is alt.country songsmith Brian Weat with his band Groggy Darlin’, a “who’s who” of the WNY music scene that includes Peter Williams (bass), Mark Longolucco (drums) and multi-instrumentalist Peter Gerace. Soulful vocalist Vinnie DeRosa completes the picture, along with his newly formed band Day Go Love. The show starts at 10pm.

Appearing at the Tudor Lounge on Saturday (Jan. 19) night are the Failyears, a Niagara Falls trio that can play some “mutant rock arrangements” with the best of them. The band’s first independently produced, self titled album came out last year, and a follow up is due in 2008. They play regularly for “Indie Friday” at Club Joey’s in Niagara Falls but are bringing it to the heart of the city this weekend. The show includes another rockin’ trio, Outer Haven Memoirs—who cite influences like Rage Against the Machine, Incubus and Metallica—and Empty Bottles. Take note: this is not a show for the faint of heart. It kicks off at 10pm.

Manhattan-based Irish rock band the Prodigals bring their jig-punk approach to trad-rock to the Shannon Pub this Saturday (Jan. 19). The four band members—Gregory Grene (accordion, vocals), Eamon O’Tuama (guitar, vocals), Ed Kollar (bass) and Chris Higginbottom (drums)—grew up mostly in the “Old Country,” so the fusion of New York energy and Irish spirit gives them a special appeal. Though they’ve spent time in both Ireland and other European countries for touring purposes, they remain firmly grounded in their East Coast mentality, producing the kind of “kick-ass Celtic rock” (according to the New York Post) that goes over so well. Especially in South Buffalo. The show starts at 9pm.

Ariel Dorfman, world-renowned as a playwright/author/activist, is the subject of a film by Peter Raymont chronicling his return to Chile in 2006. Partially inspired by Dorfman’s memoir Heading South, Looking North, the film tells the story of a man whose life was shaped not only by his exile from Chile and the torture and death of his friends and allies, but by a life spent on the run. A a child, Dorfman and his family were forced to leave Argentina and flee to the US due to anti-semitism, only to have to flee the US to Chile when Dorfman’s father was named a communist in the age of McCarthyism. The film gives a voice to the memory, longing, experiences, and lessons of this famous writer. A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman, will be shown at Hallwalls on Saturday (Jan. 19) at 8pm. —eli george

NYC-based theatrical indie-folk act the Easy Tease comes to Broadway Joe’s on Sunday (Jan. 20) as part of their “Decision 2008” tour. The performance consists of nine original songs from the band’s upcoming album, along with several short skits that center around the theme of electing a band president. The audience is pursued by the “candidates” via grandiose speeches, campaign songs and vicious interal mudslinging. The synergy between the band members is obvious despite their antics, which are irreverent, impertinent, quirky and fresh—much like their music. The Easy Tease consists of Adam Janos (piano, vocals), Maggie Carson (banjo, vocals), Daniel Bieber (cello) and Mike Feld (drums). They’ll be joined by Carnindyle for an early show at 6pm.

Philadelphia-based blues and hip-hop trio G. Love and Special Sauce is coming to the Town Ballroom on Wednesday (Jan. 23). Founded in 1992, G. Love is known for a unique, laid back and self-proclaimed “sloppy” style, with signature blues-infected hip-hop stylings. G. Love’s self-titled debut album nearly went gold, due to video rotation of the single “[I Like] Cold Beverages” on MTV, and in 1995 the group released a second album, the more mature Coast to Coast Motel. The music has incorporated many genres over the fifteen year the band has been together. Anything from their usual (but unusual) hip-hop blues to funk, soul and even psychedelia has been heard in the nine albums they’ve released. Their latest, The Hustle (Umvd) is on sale now—carol christman