LIVE MUSIC TONIGHT IN THE SOUTH SOUND >>>

Rock: There are far too many people who would be ashamed to say they like something as fundamentally shallow and conventional as AC/DC, but I'm not one of them. I think this is part of why I've grown to love Big Wheel Stunt Show. They don't sound like AC/DC, per se. They have a little more energy than the Aussies' relentless groove and a little more of a punk rock, grungy tinge. But on some level they occupy the same headspace within the dark bowels of my musically eccentric brainpan. Thursday, June 17, Grit City fest with Paris Spleen, Destruction Island, and Fun Police, 9 p.m., VIP pass $40, weekend pass $25, $12 at door, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003 - Joe Izenman

Roots Pop: Stop your goddamn giggling and get onboard with Pokey LaFarge & the South City Three. Yes, dagnabbit, his name IS Pokey LaFarge! Shilling a brilliant new record, Riverboat Soul, and coming the Mandolin Café in Tacoma Thursday and Olympia on Saturday with his band, The South City Three, guitarist LaFarge will bust out the old-time flavored American roots meshed with off-beat pop sensibilities, to the delight of all ears within hollerin' distance. Check it. Thursday, June 17, 9 p.m., Mandolin Café, 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma, 253.761.3482 - Michael Swan

Rock: There's something to be said for keeping a foot or two on the ground. For as much as aspirations may urge them to rise into the sky, Destruction Island keeps their feet planted on Earth. Every arena ready element that invades their music is always tempered with a ground level, charming, analog element like a chord organ. It's confident rock music that rejects pretension in embrace of humanism and quirky humor. To become a band as well liked as Destruction Island without abandoning integrity in favor of jerky rockstarism is a very good thing. Thursday, June 17, Grit City Fest with Paris Spleen, Big Wheel Stunt Show, and Fun Police, 9 p.m., VIP pass $40, weekend $25, $12 at door, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003 -The Rev. Adam McKinney

Folk Punk: The Fun Police are one of the most hardworking, unique and entertaining bands in the state. With their eclectic folk punk style and brilliantly executed pop sensibilities this multi-instrumental ensemble never fails to deliver. Their infectious energy and dynamic, well-crafted songwriting are undeniable. Comprising an array of talented players and seasoned vets of the local music scene, this is a band with a look and sound all their own. If you haven't seen this amazing group in action yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. This is what independent music is all about. Thursday, June 17, Grit City Fest with Paris Spleen, Big Wheel Stunt Show, and Destruction Island, 9 p.m., VIP pass $40, weekend $25, $12 at door, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003 - Potter

LINK: More live music tonight in the South Sound