lydia loveless

*9 P.M. WEDNESDAY. RIOT ROOM. *

Lydia Loveless doesn’t do anything that hasn’t been done countless times before. It doesn’t matter. The 21-year-old Ohioan has the alternative-country formula down cold. On her new Bloodshot Records release, “Indestructible Machine,” Loveless comes across like Neko Case’s little sister or Loretta Lynn’s great-granddaughter. There’s no guarantee that Loveless will achieve the acclaim of her primary influences, but even if today’s appearance doesn’t become an “I saw her when” show, it will almost certainly provide a fulfilling evening for lovers of edgy twang. Opening acts include rowdy roots rockers Hotdog Skeletons and Rich & Uncle Penny Bags.

Tickets are $8 in advance.

chris isaak

8 P.M. FRIDAY . UPTOWN THEATER.

Given his obvious obsession with the early recordings of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, it seems inevitable that Chris Isaak would eventually record a Sun Records tribute album. The faithful versions of “Ring of Fire,” “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “Dixie Fried” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” on his new “Beyond the Sun” release are predicable but winning. An excellent entertainer, Isaak already knows how to captivate his audiences. These covers will undoubtedly send his adoring fans into even more of a frenzy. Skeptics shouldn’t worry: “Wicked Game” won’t be squeezed out of Isaak’s set list anytime soon.

Advance tickets cost $33-$133.

gary allan

*8 P.M. FRIDAY. VOODOO LOUNGE. *

Mainstream country music has become dominated by disarmingly attractive people who look as if they’ve never stepped in manure or known hardship. Gary Allan is an exception. Even though his voice reflects the tragic personal losses he has endured, the 40-something Allan somehow manages to get played on the radio next to innocuous ditties by pretty boys and young ingenues. Allan will be showcasing tough songs like “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful,” “Smoke Rings in the Dark” and “Songs About Rain” on his aptly named Get Off On the Pain tour.

Tickets are $45 to $85.

greencards

9 P.M. SATURDAY. KNUCKLEHEADS.

Since Nickel Creek went on indefinite hiatus and Alison Krauss graduated to large venues, many advocates of alternative bluegrass have turned their attention to The Greencards. Mellower than like-minded Kansas City favorites The Wilders and The Grisly Hand, the Austin-based-by-way-of-Australia quartet has an irresistible charm. The coed band’s latest album features star power from the likes of Sam Bush and Vince Gill, but fans of acoustic music should expect an undiluted dose of down-home hospitality from The Greencards Saturday at Knuckleheads.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.