The651.com

This weekend and early next week, St. Paul’s got loads of options to keep your nightlife buzzing. Local psychedelic rockers Vampire Hands have their LP release at the Turf, while Tracy Chapman delivers her stripped-down, bluesy acoustic act at the O’Shaughnessy, Christians rock Harriet Island, and Blink-182 reunite at Xcel.

40 Oz. To Freedom

THURSDAY: 40 Oz. To Freedom at Station 4
Sublime tribute band 40 Oz. To Freedom, named for the band’s most only album, has developed a following in its own right. The San Diego four-piece have been on the road for years, giving the popular reggae punk-rock band’s catalog of much-loved tracks like “What I Got” a fresh twist. It doesn’t hurt that frontman Dane Scott shares a striking resemblance in both vocals and appearance to Bradley Nowell, who died of a drug overdose in 1996 shortly before the band released its debut album. (8 p.m. $12-15. 201 E. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-298-0173.)

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Also Thursday: Post-grunge rockers Candlebox return to The Rock; Communist Daughter, Boom Booms For Everyone, So It Goes at Turf Club; Pussy Control dance night featuring DJ Shiek at Rumours & Innuendo; Rockin’ Hollywoods play Music in Mears, followed by a screening of American Graffiti.

Vampire Hands

FRIDAY: Vampire Hands LP Release at Turf Club
One of the Twin Cities’ biggest buzz bands last year – due largely to their stellar debut album Me And You, Cherry Red and relentless touring – Vampire Hands is going through an unusual transition. The psychedelia-infused band is celebrating the release of the critically-acclaimed, vinyl-only Hannah in the Mansion tonight, on the heels of the announcement that co-frontman Colin Johnson would be moving to Montana by the end of the month. In effect, the band will play as a trio, led by Chris Bierden – he of the band’s hauntingly gorgeous vocals. This show will, in effect, be the band’s last show as a four-piece, at least for the time being. (Though they promise to still record and tour together in the future.) Wrong Crowd and Velvet Davenport open. (9 p.m. $8. 21-plus. 1601 University Av. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486.)

Also Friday: Beguine Bros. Old Time Country and Western Revue at Gingko’s Coffeeshop; Colorado bluegrass band Yonder Mountain String Band at Minnesota Zoo.

Tracy Chapman

SATURDAY: Tracy Chapman at O’Shaughnessy Auditorium
Throughout the ‘90s, college radio airwaves and coffeeshops around the country were taken over by a distinct group of singer-songwriters known for plaintive lyrics and a stripped-down sound. Cleveland native Tracy Chapman got her start in Boston’s local coffeehouse scene, and with her 1988 self-titled debut, Tracy Chapman emerged from the sea of folkies with an immediate hit. Highlighted by her soulful vocals and trademark dreadlocks, Chapman now has eight albums under her belt and still draws a crowd. Her sound hasn’t changed much over the years, but then again, it hasn’t really needed to. (8 p.m. $36.50-46.50. All ages. 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. 651-690-6700.)

Also Saturday: Maudlin, The Invincible Kids and Solid Gold DJs at the Turf Club; the gaelic sounds of Hounds of Finn and Leslie Rich at the Dubliner Pub.

Kirk Franklin

SUNDAY: Rock the River at Harriet Island
Some of contemporary Christian music’s biggest names – including gospel singer Kirk Franklin, pop-punk band Superchick, and post-grunge rockers Flyleaf headline this outdoor music festival put on by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Franklin and Flyleaf in particular have gotten into the mainstream spotlight over the years, with Franklin’s collaboration with vocal ensemble God’s Property and Salt of Salt-N-Pepa in 1997 receiving heavy rotation on MTV and Top 40 radio. Though the Paramore-esque band Flyleaf shy away from the term “Christian rock,” the Texas band is most popular among emo-loving Christian teens. (2:30-9:30 p.m. $10. All ages. Harriet Island Regional Park, 157 Water St. W., St. Paul. )

Also Sunday: A local folk double-header from Baby Grant Johnson and Alicia Corbette at the Turf Club.

Painting of Artists’ Quarter by Paul Oxborough

MONDAY: Headspace at Artists’ Quarter
If you have yet to check out the authentically-cool, subterranean depths of classic St. Paul jazz club Artists’ Quarter, there’s no better night than Monday night. For one, there’s no cover. Second, Artists’ Quarter resident Monday night jazz quartet Headspace have a thing for jamming out into sonic explorations. It’s followed by open mic poetry if you’re feeling saucy. (7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. Free. 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-292-1359.)

Blink-182

TUESDAY: Blink-182 and Fallout Boy at Xcel Energy Center
Emo kids, get ready to cry – this is a dream lineup for the eyeliner-loving, black-hair-dying set. Few would’ve expected so much excitement over the recently-reformed Blink-182, who share the headlining bill of one of the summer’s biggest tours with little brothers Fallout Boy. Both bands have showed quite a bit of staying power, which is no surprise considering how catchy their pop-punk songs are. Chester French opens. (6:30 p.m. $29-49. All ages. 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-265-4800.)

Also Tuesday: 9 Nights of Music at the Minnesota History Center featuring ‘Sconnie klezmer band Yid Vicious; Texan country crooner Pat Green with Chris Knight at the Minnesota Zoo; noise-rock two-piece Mute Era with Piles and Les Deux Maggots at the Turf Club.

Landmark Center

WEDNESDAY: Music in the Café f. Vicky Mountain and James Allen at Anita’s Café
This Vita.mn-sponsored series showcases the vocal stylings of jazz and blues singer Vicky Mountain and classical guitarist James Allen. Both are esteemed in the local jazz community, and are faculty of the MacPhail Center for Music. While you’re there, enjoy one of Anita’s sandwiches, wraps or salads while taking in the architectural beauty of the Landmark Center. (Noon. Free. Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. 651-292-4160.)