10 local shows to see in August: Andrew Jackson Jihad

It's a great month for local music, with shows by Andrew Jackson Jihad, Saddles, Fairy Bones and more.

8/1: Andrew Jackson Jihad

The acoustic guitars and stand-up bass often land this beloved Phoenix band in the folk category, but their songs are pure punk-rock fury. They tackle politics, religion and everything else with equal-parts cynical bite and dark comedy, with lead singer Sean Bonnette belting out each line while making you wonder how those guitar strings withstand his strumming. The band is stopping by the Crescent Ballroom as part of the national tour for their latest record, the excellent "Christmas Island." Punk rockers Hard Girls and Dogbreth open the show.

Details: 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $12-$14. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

8/2: Valley Fever: Arizona Country

The tagline on the poster of this show tells you everything you need to know: "See what Phoenix is two-stepping to." The night features classic-country bands from around the Valley, lead by the great Junction 10 and Tommy Ash, plus the Maricopa County Prison Band and Jeremy Manley & Crazy Arms doing their Waylon Jennings tribute.

Details: 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $12-14. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

8/8: Fairy Bones

There's something undeniable about the voice of Fairy Bones' lead singer Chelsey Louise. It's that perfect combo of punkish strength and firecracker sweetness that recalls early No Doubt. The band's debut EP shows off their synth-laden garage-rock fury, and their live shows are a force to be reckoned with. Locals Bad Neighbors and Zodiac Bash also perform, along with LA's Madus.

Details: 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8. Rogue Bar, 423 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $5. 480-947-3580, theroguebar.com.

8/8: The Father Figures album release

The three members of the Father Figures each played a part in the rich history of Phoenix punk rock in the 1980s, a scene that birthed the Meat Puppets and the Sun City Girls. Guitarist/vocalist Michael Cornelius, bassist/vocalist Tom Reardon and drummer Bobby Lerma were members of '80s punk bands JFA, Religious Skids and Hillbilly Devilspeak, respectively, before coming together for Cornelius' 50th-birthday party. The band celebrates the release of their third album, "Steps and Processes." Local punk rockers Man Hands and Hi Lo Fi open.

Details: 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $8-$10 (free CD with admission). 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

8/9: The Nile Turns 90

The downtown Mesa building that houses the Nile Theater is turning 90, so the club is going to party like it's 1924. The night features music by Phoenix swing band Jump, Jive and Wail, along with swing- and Charleston-dance lessons by the AZ Lindy Hop Society, a Miss Nile Pin-Up Contest and more.

Details: 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9. The Nile Theater, 105 W. Main St., Mesa. $10; $5 in advance. 480-559-5859, niletheater.com.

8/9: Future Loves Past

Some members of the band might reside in LA now, but Future Loves Past will always be a Tempe band at heart. The band's debut album, "All the Luscious Plants," showcases their complex, psychedelic soul-pop, earning the attention of Paste magazine. Be sure to get there early for great Phoenix rockers Snakes Snakes Snakes!, Deadfoxx and Twin Ponies.

Details: 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9. Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe. Free. 480-967-4777, yuccatap.com.

8/23: Playboy Manbaby and the Thin Bloods tape release

Lead by charismatic front man Robbie Pfeffer, one of the masterminds behind the Tempe label Rubber Brothers Records, Playboy Manbaby delivers a furious brand of punk rock, spiked by indie rock, ska, hip-hop and anything else they care to throw in. Tempe's the Thin Bloods play to the same high-energy crowd, but with a fuzzier pop sound.

Details: 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $8-$10. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

8/28: Saddles

"Shell Art," the latest release from these Phoenix indie rockers, was one of the finest local releases of last year. The album is a rich, textured work, showcasing the synth-heavy production work of George White and the thoughtful lyrics and music of Charles Barth. This is the band's first show in awhile, and it's not to be missed. Phoenix's Celebration Guns and Kokopelli open.

Details: 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $5-$7. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

8/22: Wooden Indian

Influenced in equal parts by tribal music, folk and EDM, the seven-piece Wooden Indian are easily one of the Phoenix area's most intriguing local acts. The band is getting ready to release their new record, "Moan Info," later this year. Local rockers Cherie Cherie and Where Are All the Buffalo? open.

Details: 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $8-$10. 602-716-2222, crescentphx.com.

8/31: Save the Boobies Festival

The Rhythm Room hosts this local-music festival, with all proceeds going to the fight against breast cancer. And the lineup is impressive, with performances by Dr. Delicious, the Coconauts, Gus Campbell, the Rebel Set, the Pubes, Numb Bats, Sara McAllister, Corey Golden and Sasquanaut. Plus, live art by Amanda Noodle and Shannon Harden, food vendors, a dunk tank and more.

Details: 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31. The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. $8. 602-265-4842, rhythmroom.com.