This week's hot concerts

The Catch Fire

8 p.m. Friday, December 23, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $7-$10. 704-358-9200.

A band of local music all stars (solo artist Jon Lindsay with members of Alternative Champs, Jolene, Bellglide, and Laburnum) celebrate the release of its debut album, “Rumor Mill.” If you dig Lindsay or the Champs, imagine a serious pop marriage of the two.

Dieselboy

9 p.m. Friday, December 23, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $10-$15. 704-358-9298.

The veteran American drum n’ bass DJ spins into NoDa to get the holidays hopping early with a floor pounding dub set. Will Love, Tony Dubz, and Dan Wall also perform.

 
Blue Dogs/the Connells

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $18-$22/$30 VIP. 704-358-9298.

Longtime favorites from other parts of the Carolinas, the Blue Dogs (Charleston) lean more toward roots and Americana while the Connells (Raleigh) mine the late `80s/early `90s jangle pop college rock sound that birthed them.

The Air Station

8 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $7-$9. 704-376-3737.

Andrew X (formerly of Hot Vegas) leads this impressive local pop-rock outfit who marry charging rock, Edge-like guitar riffing, soaring vocals, and big uplifting pop hooks that might attract fans of Lovedrug or the Fray.

Hardcore Lounge

 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $8. 704-376-1446.

The Johnson brothers’ long-running combo introduces its new guitarist as it prepares for the February release of a remix album as well as its next full-length. With Aqualads.

 
Carrie Rodriguez

8 p.m. Thursday, December 29, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $12-$14. 704-376-3737.

The Americana songstress whose latest project is a collection of country duets with Romantica’s Ben Kyle teams up with another of that band’s members - Austin transplant Luke Jacobs - for this singer-songwriter tour.

Matrimony/Public Radio

8 p.m. Thursday, December 29, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $10-$12. 704-358-9200.

Both led by married couples, the acclaimed Matrimony deliver delicate indie-folk like a rootsier Arcade Fire with elements of girl group, gospel and soul while the Mark Mathis-led Public Radio trades in bounding and infectious arena-ready pop-rock anthems.