We Are The (acoustic) Fury ft. Jeremy, Chris, and Alan ( on the patio) (9:45 p.m.) We Are The Fury are inarguably one of Toledo's most successful bands. They've criss-crossed the nation just about every way possible, played and toured with some of rock music's most heralded acts (New York Dolls, anyone?), and revived the raw energy of glam, mixing it with radio-ready hardcore indie rock, in a way few others have been able to pull off. Here, the band comes in its stripped-down trio form while drummer Steven Lublin studies at culinary school in France. www.myspace.com/wearethefury
Russel Martin & The Relics (11 p.m. - 2 a.m.) The coolest part about Russell Martin in the Relics is not just the great selection from the American rock 'n' roll zeitgeist that they select to whet your favorite song appetite, but the fact that they not only let you, but encourage you to pick up a percussion instrument — cowbell, tamborine, et al — and join in the part. Get your groove on. www.myspace.com/russelmartinandtherelics
The Antivillains (9:30 p.m.) Dreamy two-part harmonies and a completely original concoction of indie jazz pop are the first two things that set the Antivillains apart from almost any other band around. Technically sound and emotionally pure, this group led by the brother-sister duo Cohen is one of the scene's most well-known and respected. Grab a cold drink, chill out and relax. www.myspace.com/theantivillains
Ben Barefoot (10:45 p.m.) You might recognize Ben Barefoot from any number of musical projects, from staple bands like The Bells and The Antivillains to his solo work. Here, Barefoot puts up his own songs, tightly crafted and drenched in alternately catchy and somber, introspective pop melodies. www.myspace.com/benbarefoot
The Homeville Circle (12 a.m.) Appearing here in a slightly stripped-down form, the "Cob-webbed ballads and ramshackle hymns" of The Homeville Circle are as eclectic as they are powerful. Equal parts psych-folk, grunge and Americana, this band's insightful, poetic lyrics, rousing arrangements and tasteful inclusion of mandolin, accordion, singing saw and horns imply a secret meeting where Flannery O'Connor and Neutral Milk Hotel meet to discuss their love of the Midwest. www.myspace.com/thehomevillecircle
Charlie Slick (10:30 p.m.) Ypsilanti's resident one-man house party, Charlie Slick makes friends everywhere he goes. True, he might not remember them the next day, but his half-naked, glitter-slinging antics have earned him a reputation as one of the area's most party-inspiring artists. Slick's synth composed electro grooves rock the house with playful neo new wave fury and never fail to incite dance riots. www.myspace.com/charlieslick
The Sweatpants (12 a.m.) Toledo's new most favorite cover band takes playing other peoples music to a whole new level, complete with a dazzling live show, tricks and props. Like a '90s jukebox that filters out all the crap and plugs the good stuff right into your head, The Sweatpants radiate with a badass love for rock 'n' frickin' roll. Be sure to wear your sweater ... unless it's already come undone. www.myspace.com/thesweatpants
Dooley Wilson (10:15 p.m.) When Dooley Wilson passed through the Mississippi Delta a few years back, a piece of it jumped inside him and never left. Raised in Maumee and part of the Toledo-Detroit neo-blues scene that eventually launched The White Stripes, Wilson has toured Europe, where he maintains a cult following. But, it's here in Toledo where the master guitar player continues to hone his craft after years of traveling, even gaining respect among the New Orleans street performer community. There aren't many left with respect as a city-wide musical treasure, but white-face Dooley Wilson is certainly one of the few. www.myspace.com/dooleywilson
Andrew Ellis & The Setting Sons (12:30 p.m.) Rounding out the OT's blues stage, Andrew Ellis and the boys put on a thick, tough, mean face that snarls the blues from its dark roots. But don't worry, it's not scary, just impressive. Ellis' raspy vocals meet the hiss and prowl of his biting guitar work in a way that calls to mind Howlin' Wolf, but with a mixture of harsh Delta roots and smooth Chicago polish. In short, keep your jug of whiskey close when these fellas are around. www.myspace.com/andrewellisandthesettingsons
The Pop Explosion ft. DJ Benny Goodtimes, Mikey Masonic (10 p.m. - Late) There is no hotter Thursday night in downtown Toledo than the Pop Explosion at Wesley's Bar & Grill. Hipsters, rockers, slackers and pretty much everyone else who likes to groove, mingle and party mid-week are welcome. Video screens, projectors and the occasional streamer and balloon are no stranger to the Pop Explosion ... and neither is a whole mess of foot shuffling and beautiful people. Tonight the party transplants to Bretz where it's going to be catapulted to the moon. www.myspace.com/thepopexplosion
Hot Shots Drag Show (10:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.) Bretz get outrageous every weekend with a drag show that beats all. Scream, shout and root for your favorite not once, but twice throughout the night. Yeah!