Jill Scott, Nikka Costa lead this week's show announcements

Neo-soul songstress Jill Scott.

We're down with any chick bad enough to call herself a "motherf-$%ing G," and on her forthcoming album, Jill Scott is just that bad. Touring in support of her fourth full length, The Light of the Sun, Scott's gathered a cadre of fellow G's for a summer block party at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater--Jazzy Jeff, Mint Condition, and Anthony Hamilton. Hamilton appears on Scott's first single, "So in Love," and it's understated, soulful simplicity is the perfect antidote to the robotic swag static crowding the airwaves. Did Nikka Costa catch wind of local impresario Nodzilla's (DJ Needles to you, sucka) excellent refix of "Everybody's Got Their Something?" We hope so. Costa's playing the Old Rock House August 16.

Apop Records
The Coathangers, August 3

Argosy Casino
B.J. Thomas, July 15
Emo Phillips, August 12

Blueberry Hill
Memories of Elvis, August 20

The Firebird
Bass Drum of Death, August 22
Braids, October 6
The Horrors, September 23
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, July 18

Fubar
Insanity, July 24

The Gramophone
Anders Osborne, July 7
Stalley, July 29

The Heavy Anchor
Josh Fletcher, July 16
Rodeo Ruby Love, July 2
Tin Armor, July 7