Roadtrips

edited by Matt Ashare

Those who lamented the demise of the late Velocity Girl will have a few chances to see the principals in that band this week when Starry Eyes -- which features VG singer Sarah Shannon, drummer Jim Spellman, and guitarist/bassist Kelly Riles -- make a swing through New England opening for tuff & fuzzy popsters Tuscadero. Both bands will be at the Middle East (617-864-EAST) in Boston on July 20 with Merge Records dudes Verbena, then head to the Met Cafe (401-861-2142) in Providence on July 22, where Purple Ivy Shadows will round out the bill.

Warming up for the Warped Tour, local post-hardcore sensations Cast Iron Hike are at the Living Room (401-521-5200) in Providence on July 23 with Straight Faced and 454 Big Block. The latter join them again the next night at the Space/Artist Alliance of Worcester (508-753-0017), along with Six Going on Seven.

In roots, the Celtic superband Solas bring their world-music buzz to the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park (617-876-4275) in Lincoln for an afternoon show on July 20. On July 22 they'll move on to the Iron Horse (413-584-0610) in Northampton. Authentic '50s rockabilly gets its due when Boston's Racketeers and New Hampshire's Ragin' Teens hit the Green Room (401-351-7665) in Providence on July 18; the Racketeers then join Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys and the Strangemen at the Middle East on July 19.

Meanwhile, organizers of the annual Vermont Reggae Festival are warning that this year's blowout -- the 12th annual -- could be their last. According to the organizers, the local town council has been hedging on issuing the necessary permits, and local police tripled their security deposit at the last minute. The free July 19 event, which runs from 9 a.m. till dusk, includes performances by Macka B, Mad Professor, the Robotiks Band, Natty Remo, Sister Audrey, and many more in Hardwick, Vermont (802-862-3092).

And as usual, you'll have to cross the state line to get a dose of live hip-hop -- this week it's Boot Camp Clik, who bring their "Worldwide Stop the Violence" tour to the Strand (401-272-0444) in Providence.