Sigur Rós

As if to remind you that the quartet Sigur Rós is from Iceland, the band's latest album is titled "Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust." The rock band can be considered experimental and progressive in the best senses of the words, although it is not a conscious decision, said bassist Georg "Goggi" Hólm. "We never make any decisions on the music," the 32-year-old multi-instrumentalist said in an interview. "The only decision was to do it quickly. We usually spend too much time being anal." The quartet, known for calling one of its albums "()" and telling listeners to write their own lyrics, focuses on creating guitar-heavy soundscapes that envelop the listener, bringing to mind My Bloody Valentine and Radiohead at their most esoteric. While Hólm disputed the notion that the band doesn't care about lyrics, he acknowledged that the band finds it "easier to express ourselves through music."

When » Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Where » Saltair, 12408 W. Saltair Drive, Magna

Tickets » $22 in advance, $27 day of, at SmithsTix and KTix

Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog makes a strong mix of psychedelia with indie band smarts, and is one of just a handful of bands that can find support in both the indie rock and jam band communities.

When » Tonight at 9

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

Tickets » $12 at SmithsTix and 24Tix

Engelbert Humperdinck

The 72-year-old soft-pop singer took his name from the composer of operas such as "Hansel and Gretel" and continues to tour the globe with often-lavish stage shows.

When » Tonight at 9, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.

Where » Peppermill Concert Hall, 1045 Wendover Blvd., West Wendover, Nev.

Tickets » $30 to $90 tonight, $45 to $90 Sept. 27, at www.wendoverfun.com or by calling 1-800-537-0207

JJ Grey & Mofro

JJ Grey & Mofro are a Florida band that mixes soul, R&B, blues, jazz and Southern rock. Grey, a huge Otis Redding fan, is reportedly bringing a horn section to add more funk to the blend. The Hill Country Revue, featuring members of the North Mississippi Allstars, are also on the bill.

When » Tonight. Doors open at 9

Where » Harry O's, 427 Main St., Park City

Tickets » $18 at door or at KTix

Lagwagon and MxPx

Lagwagon is one of the oldest and hardest-working punk bands around, hailing from the Santa Barbara area, while MxPx is another punk band that originated in the Northwest in the early 1990s. What do punks sound like in their 40s? Find out tonight.

When » Tonight. Doors open at 6

Where » In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $18 in advance, $20 day of, at SmithsTix and 24Tix

Gavin DeGraw

Gavin DeGraw doesn't want to be anything other than what he's trying to do lately, with is build on his singer-songwriter success that was launched with his single "I Don't Want to Be." His latest song, "In Love With a Girl," is a radio hit in Salt Lake City.

When » Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Where » Murray Theater, 4916 S. State St., Murray

Tickets » $17 at SmithsTix and KTix

Melissa Pace Tanner

Performing with the Jay Lawrence Quartet, Melissa Pace Tanner is the first performer in this season's Excellence in the Community concert series. Tanner will be performing songs from the Great American Songbook, and is a repeat performer with the Utah Symphony and Tad Calcara's New Deal Swing Band.

When » Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Where » Grand Theatre, Salt Lake Community College, 1575 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets » Adults $15, seniors $12, students $10, children $8, available by calling 801-957-3322

Yellowcard

The Florida pop rock band Yellowcard will play an unplugged show. The band, known for its single "Ocean Avenue," is one of the few bands to include an electric violin in the musical lineup, so presumably the violin will be unplugged, too. Jason Reeves is a special guest.

When » Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Where » Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, Utah State University, Logan

Tickets » $20 to $25 in advance, $24 day of, at SmithsTix

Passafire

Every Wednesday is The Star Bar's reggae night, and this time the band is Passafire, with local bands Soul Redemption, Melon Robotics, plus DJ LC Dub, who will open. Passafire is an up-and-coming Savannah-based reggae-rock outfit.

When » Oct. 1. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Where » The Star Bar, 268 Main St., Salt Lake City

Tickets » $10 at SmithsTix

Cold War Kids

Cold War Kids are a Southern California indie rock quartet that has backed Tapes 'n Tapes, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and The White Stripes. While singer Nathan Willett says hearing Radiohead's "OK Computer" was a turning point in his life; the Cold War Kids bear the influence of Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and the Velvet Underground.

When » Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Where » In the Venue, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets » $15.50 at SmithsTix and 24Tix

Ed Forman

Now for something completely different: Ed Forman is the alter ego of Portland comedian Aaron Ross, and he's a greasy and disheveled character who hosts his own live (nontelevised) talk show - onstage. He performs in the spirit of '70s late-night talk shows.

When » Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.

Where » Burts Tiki Lounge, 726 S. State St., Salt Lake City

Tickets » $7 at the door