The third annual South by South End Festival happens April 23-24 at Expo Five (2900 S. Seventh St. Road, www.sxsend.com). Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass. There will be three stages, including one outside, artist booths, an appearance by Hare Krishna Zombie from “Dawn of the Dead,” as well as mini-Marilyn Manson, whose rendition of “The Beautiful People” ought to be memorable.
Against Me
White Crosses, the fifth album from Florida pop-punks Against Me, due out June 8 on Sire, will feature more of the politically charged anthems the band is known for, but several of the songs also discuss growing up punk, making for a one-two punch of retaliation and remembrance. They visit Headliners (1386 Lexington Road, 584-8088) tonight with Sugar Spell It Out, Dead To Me and Moneybrother. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 (adv.), $15 (door).
Stevie Ray’s (230 E. Main St., www.stevieraysbluesbar.com) kicks off its Derby season celebration with a return visit from Bernard Allison, the youngest of nine children by late bluesman Luther Allison. Bernard performs Sunday, April 25. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15.
Spider web
The latest from North Carolina’s Spider Bags, Goodbye Cruel World, Hello Crueler World (Birdman Records), might refer to our oppressive summer humidity. They visit Skull Alley (1017 E. Broadway, www.skullalley.net) tonight with Titus Andronicus, who are returning after an in-store last month, and Sophomore Lounge recording artists State Champion. Showtime is 8 p.m., tickets are $10.
Music ’Cast
A Lion Named Roar (www.myspace.com/alionnamedroar) joins us in the offices to discuss the release of their new album, Said & Done. Listen at Bluegrass Catastrophe, bluecat.leoweekly.com.