Our Critics' Picks

SOULJA BOY In case you just emerged from a coma, Soulja Boy’s entry in the minstrel-rap sweepstakes is called Souljaboytellem.com—a savvy piece of viral marketing. The record itself is about as stripped down as can be—this is what rap would have sounded like if it had been invented in the 19th century: simple snaps, barely pronounced syllables, minimal percussion and a guy yelling “Youuuuuu!” in the background. The beats from Mr. Collipark (known for producing Bubba Sparxxx’s “Ms. New Booty”) are perfect for those who find The Neptunes’ rhythms too complex. That said, any album that features songs called “Bapes” (about shoes), “Booty Meat” (about asses) and “Donk” (also about asses) is bound to be fun. Opening for Chris Brown and Bow Wow. 6:30 p.m. at Sommet Center —BEN WESTHOFF

Music

THE JANE SHERMANS The song “Young and Hungry” is a pretty solid introduction to The Jane Shermans’ sound—one that weaves together Blondie’s old-school new-wave cool with the indie-rock spunk and modern production values of female-led bands such as Sahara Hotnights and The Sounds. The tracks are filled with bass-driven strut, ringing guitar lines and sultry late-night city cool—courtesy of guitarist Angelo Petraglia, a songwriter and producer so established for his work (with Kings of Leon, among others) that his name doesn’t usually appear with his surname attached. The rubbery basslines are supplied by Kings’ Jared Followill, and the familiar trot comes by way of Features stickman Rollum Haas. (Live, frontwoman Eulene Sherman ably handles the bass duties.) If that ain’t enough icing, the record was engineered by Roger Moutenot, whose name often trails Yo La Tengo’s, and mixed by Jacquire King, the same dude who worked on Modest Mouse, not to mention The Features’ major-label debut. Stellar credits don’t always a good band make, but this one’s onto something. 8 p.m. at The Rutledge —TRACY MOORE

Family Values

ON GOLDEN POND Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre kicks off the new year with this well-known comedy-drama by Ernest Thompson in which generations collide, and love and family are rediscovered by all. Jenny Noel directs the promising veteran cast, which includes David Compton, Phil Perry, Martha Wilkinson and Fred Mullen and Stephanie Weaver as curmudgeonly New England professor Norman Thayer and his wife, Ethel. Jan. 10-Feb. 9 at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre —MARTIN BRADY

Music

BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES Anchored by Louisville drummer Van Campbell—yes, that Van Campbell, the one from Ghostfinger—the Black Diamond Heavies manage to contemporize their swampy blues by adding a heavy dose of punk momentum. John Wesley Myers is the other part of this vibrant two-piece equation—howling out gruff, soulful melodies and doing some brilliant abuse to his organ. He only hurts it cuz he loves it so. Also on the bill, locals The Alcohol Stuntband and Silver Lion’s 20/20. 9 p.m. at Exit/In —LEE STABERT

Art

T.J. EDWARDS’ AUTOMATION Recently graduated from the Appalachian Center for the Crafts, potter T.J. Edwards was included in the Frist Center’s recent show of art by college students and recent graduates from Middle Tennessee schools. Edwards’ contribution was a large ceramic bowl filled with a multitude of small vases. The piece reflected the repetitive quality of production ceramics, while providing a mystical discourse on the vessel. The name of the piece was “Blessed Are The Barren,” a reference to the Beatitudes that underscores the quality of vessels displayed in a gallery—which usually contain nothing. Edwards’ show at the Vanderbilt Department of Art’s gallery is billed as an installation, and may travel further down the sculptural path laid out in his piece at the Frist Center. Also on display: Jon Stone’s Process Of Intuition. Through Feb. 8 at Vanderbilt’s Ingram Studio Art Center; opening reception, 4-6 p.m. —DAVID MADDOX

FRIDAY 1/11

Jazzy Country Eclectic

SUZY BOGGUSS When she hits it just right on her new Sweet Danger, singer Suzy Bogguss concocts a heartland hybrid that hints at country and jazz but sounds like pop. Perhaps best known for a string of early ’90s country hits, the Illinois native has recorded with Chet Atkins and Asleep at the Wheel leader Ray Benson, and covered songs by Nanci Griffith and Ian Tyson. On Danger, producer Jason Miles adds lightly funky rhythms and bossa nova guitar to a set of songs that evoke the gently heartbroken ’70s pop of The Carpenters. The spruce arrangement of “Even if That Were True” suits Bogguss, while Doug Crider’s “In Heaven” is an irresistible slice of weepy adult super-schlock sung to a dead boyfriend. Bogguss’ knowing voice inhabits the shadowy area where sophistication merges with nostalgia. She’ll be joined in the round by fellow eclectics Matraca Berg and Kim Carnes. The performance benefits Alive Hospice. 9:30 p.m. at Bluebird Café —EDD HURT