The Frames

The Frames

While the phrase “big in Ireland” can often be code for “not good enough for America,” The Frames seem to be doing just as well in the land that embraced James Joyce, Michael Flatley and Lucky Charms. An opening slot for Damien Rice introduced American crowds to the sluggish yet powerful rock band, which weaves dreamy, inspirational melodies around the occasional burst of Pixies-inspired electric guitars. Opener Josh Ritter – by contrast, an American who is rapidly catching on in Ireland – writes nostalgic folk/rock songs that combine the street poet sensibilities of Bruce Springsteen with the mellow, fingerpicked intimacy of Nick Drake. The show begins at 9 p.m. Saturday at The Granada, 1020 Mass.

Elephant Man

When you appoint yourself the “Energy God,” you better deliver a good show. Boisterous dancehall/hip-hop performer Elephant Man has been doing just that for more than a decade as a solo artist and with his former group Scare Dem Crew. His most recent single, “Pon de River Pon de Bank,” won over Sean Paul fans and more, earning him a Source Award for “best reggae/dancehall artist of the year.” Elephant Man performs at 8 p.m. today at The Granada, 1020 Mass.

Glass Coffee Table

Glass Coffee Table

Lawrence’s only professional a cappella group lets their pipes fly in a show to celebrate the band’s third anniversary. The five-piece Glass Coffee Table delivers jazz standards such as “Route 66,” “Autumn Leaves” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” as well as originals arranged and composed by director Geoff Wilcken, an adjunct professor at Johnson County Community College. Glass Coffee Table joins The Harry Miller Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 15th and Iowa streets.

‘The Watsons go to Birmingham’

'The Watsons go to Birmingham'

“The Watsons Go To Birmingham – 1963” blends the fictional account of a middle-class black family with the factual events of the violent summer of 1963. There’s Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who’s an “official juvenile delinquent.” Momma and Dad decide it’s time to visit grandma’s house for Byron to get straightened out, and the Watsons set out on a trip to Birmingham during the year of the tragic explosion at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Lawrence filmmaker Kevin Willmott adapted the book by Christopher Paul Curtis for the stage and is directing the show through Oct. 23 at the Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Find show times at www.thecoterie.com.

Red Balloon To-Do

Red Balloon To-Do

It’s unprecedented. At no other time of year will you be able to see more work by more Lawrence artists on one night than at Saturday’s third annual Red Balloon To-Do. A single red balloon (available at each venue for a $1 donation) becomes your floating passport into eight locales showing work in every media imaginable by 160 Lawrence creative types. Here’s a look at the happening spots open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday: Olive Gallery, 15 E. Eighth St.; Mirth Internet Cafe, 745 N.H.; Henry’s, 11 E. Eighth St.; Crafty & Company, 918 Mass.; 846 1/2 Ind., Apt. B (residence); 737 Conn. (residence); 725 Conn. (residence); and 913 R.I. (residence).