Buddy Guy

8 P.M. THURSDAY. KNUCKLEHEADS.

Although Buddy Guy has been on a never-ending tour for decades, few of the venues that have hosted him in recent years have been as suited to the blues legend’s raw aesthetic as Knuckleheads. Rarely have a venue and performer been so matched. Even the Chicago blues club that bears Guy’s name lacks much of the authentic grit that comes naturally to the East Bottoms roadhouse. Expect Knuckleheads to bring out the best in the fiery 75-year-old guitarist and vocalist. Tickets are $45 in advance and $60 at the door.

Explosions in the Sky

8 P.M. WEDNESDAY. UPTOWN THEATER.

Uptown Theater once served as a movie house. The venue’s former function will be evoked as Explosions in the Sky performs its proverbial “soundtracks to imaginary movies” Wednesday. The Texas-based instrumental indie rock band specializes in vividly cinematic soundscapes. Excellent indie rock band Wye Oak opens the concert. Tickets are $23 in advance.

Milagres

9 P.M. TUESDAY. RIOT ROOM.

The ongoing informal “next-Arcade-Fire” competition is heating up. Dozens of worthy contenders are producing sounds that elicit complimentary comparisons to the music of the Canadian collective. Brooklyn-based Milagres has been pegged by many observers as a favorite in the potentially lucrative contest. The band’s new album, “Glowing Mouth,” is one of the year’s most sparkling art-rock releases. The strength of melodic songs like “Here to Stay” may soon liberate Milagres’ music from the exclusive domain of insular hipsters. The night marks the debut performance of the lush electronica of Kansas City’s Clock People. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

The Black Angels, Dead Meadow, Spindrift

8 P.M. SATURDAY. BOTTLENECK.

Some music isn’t meant to be heard in the light of day. Without the shelter of darkness, otherwise powerful goth-imbued rock sounds silly. When the Black Angels performed under a blazing August sun at Kanrocksas, the Austin-based band’s usually menacing sound seemed almost ridiculous. Fortunately for the band and their black-clad fans, Saturday’s performance will take place at a later hour. Dead Meadow’s lysergic psychedelia and Spindrift’s eerie atmospherics will set an appropriately sinister mood. Tickets are $15 in advance. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Brett Dennen, Blind Pilot

8 P.M. FRIDAY. BEAUMONT CLUB.

Singer-songwriter Brett Dennen would stand out in a crowd even if he weren’t a giant ginger. Standing well over 6 feet tall and crowned by a mop of bright red hair, Dennen’s striking appearance is matched by his vibrant music. Achingly sincere and instantly ingratiating, Dennen is the rare folkie who can win over fans of pop music and jam bands. Like his sometime collaborator Jason Mraz, Dennen is a lovable goofball who deserves to be taken seriously. Dennen’s songs tend to be straightforward, while opening act Blind Pilot creates complex chamber folk. Tickets are $19 in advance.