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WEDNESDAY 11/18

KELLER WILLIAMS
Once upon a time, you needed at least four longbeards to constitute a jam band. Keller Williams flips the script, indulging in wigged-out, free-form sonic explorations on his lonesome. Armed with a trusty looping box and a twisted wit, Williams creates soundscapes as expansive as a full band. The world that he conjures is eccentric and unique, but he keeps things accessible with a fine-tuned ear for unexpected melody and an affable stage presence. Moe's Alley; $20 advance/$25 door; 8:30pm. (Paul M. Davis)

FRIDAY 11/20

MONSTERS ARE NOT MYTHS
Monsters Are Not Myths. In fact, they're three pleasant young men and one fine lady from Santa Cruz. But don't let their top-notch hygiene and pleasing, earth-toned attire fool you. These Monsters are hell-bent on eating your eardrums, one waxy bite at a time. Somewhere between Modest Mouse, Queens of the Stone Age and Barenaked Ladies, the band's tunes are as headbangingly satisfying as the loudest rock jams and as headscratchingly weird as the oddest indie dirges. Live, the crew promises "dancing bears, inflatable guitar solos and audience cowbell competitions." And their new album Corporate Grown drops the same day as the show, with the first copy presented to the last cowbeller left standing. Brookdale Lodge; $10 8pm. (Curtis Cartier)

SATURDAY 11/21

LAURENCE JUBER
Laurence Juber isn't quite a household name, but he's got a reputation in the business as one hell of a gun for hire: past gigs include one-time lead guitarist for Paul McCartney's Wings and player on countless iconic movie soundtracks, including Dirty Dancing and Good Will Hunting. Within serious guitarist circles, Juber is something of a legend, having received two Grammy Awards and being declared top guitarist by Fingerstyle magazine. In recent years, Juber has put the rock & roll largely behind him in favor of nimble acoustic jazz chording and agile fingerpicking. Nevertheless he continues to conjure sparks from the six-string instrument he's mastered. Don Quixote's; $16 advance/$18 door; 8pm. (PMD)

STELLAR CORPSES
Santa Cruz's favorite haunted hotel hosts a night of punk rock and babes in blood. The music bill features one of Santa Cruz's favorite psychobilly bands, the Stellar Corpses, who crank out songs about zombies and cemeteries. Also playing is the Arizona horror-rock outfit Calabrese, whose haunted songs hope to awaken spirits. Bay Area punk rockers Tell-Tale Heartbreakers will likely liven up the night with onstage antics, and lovely locals Here Kitty Kitty promise to put a little pop in your pounce with their punch-packing music. And of course all the while, bikini-clad women will be wrestling in "blood." Brookdale Lodge; $10; 8pm. (Brian Harker)

SUNDAY 11/22

DISCO BISCUITS
Ecstasy is not the only way to describe trance fusion act Disco Biscuits, though it's an excellent start. On Time, their latest EP, uses recent connections and influences to channel hip-hop more than any of their previous records while maintaining their hard-earned reputation as a jam band with electronica overlays. The group that briefly relocated to Santa Cruz from Philadelphia in 2002, the same year it released the critically acclaimed album Señor Boombox, is holding a long overdue reunion with its old stomping grounds, and it's always a good idea to groove with your former neighbors when the chance comes up--unless you're too afraid to try Disco Biscuits. Catalyst; $16 advance/$19 door; 7:30pm. (Austin Sardella)

MONDAY 11/23

RAY BROWN & THE GREAT BIG BAND
Cabrillo College instructor Ray Brown doesn't exaggerate when he refers to his "Great Big Band": the 21-piece ensemble comprised of Bay Area jazz luminaries fulfills both claims. Brown packs an impressive resume, having served as the trumpet player for Stan Kenton, arranged for Count Basie and penned a number of standout Big Band compositions. It's the sort of background that has made him a sought-after instructor and a local treasure, and this engagement is an excellent introduction to his prodigious talents. Cabrillo Crocker Theatre; $15 seniors and students/$20 general; 7:30pm. (PMD)

LILYS
"Beatlesesque," like "Dylanesque," is one of those annoying hipster terms that far too many journalists use--myself included--in describing a particularly polished pop rock act or poetic lyricist. In the case of the Washington, D.C., quartet Lilys, however, terms like "Beatleseque," "Beatleslike" or "Beatles-induced" are all but unavoidable. The group's cheery psychedelic instrumentation and highly enunciated vocals immediately smack of the Fab Four. Yet the band manages to avoid coming off as a ripped-off, cheesy tribute, instead proving itself an original and altogether enjoyable indie rock outfit. Crepe Place; $8; 9pm. (CC)

WEDNESDAY 11/25

PO' GIRL
When a group that's already achieved the difficult balance of international fame in folk, jazz and country announces that they're expanding their sound, it's tempting to think of their new music as a gamble. If Po' Girl was betting, they hit the jackpot. The Canadian act's core of poly-instrumentalists Allison Russell and Awna Teixeira is joined by ringer guitarist Benny Sidelinger, a master of stringed subtlety, and drummer JJ Jones, who specializes in beats that bring out the natural balance of a song's flavors. With the vision that brings new life to instruments like the gutbucket bass, dobro, glockenspiel and even bicycle bells, Po' Girl's a sure win every time. Don Quixote's: $12 advance/$14 door; 7:30pm. (AS)