Andanh.com

In just a couple of weeks, Thick Syrup in conjunction with Max Recordings, is putting out the debut from raucous local rockers San Antokyo. It's called "The Big Collapse" and, from the tracks you can preview on Thick Syrup's MySpace page, it sounds like something you're gonna want to play loud. At barbecues and on booze cruises. The CD release party is Aug. 2 at White Water.

A week later, on Aug. 8, Loch Ness Monster celebrates the release of its latest (first?) album, "Eleven Traditional Songs." Max is putting it out. Sulac, of Hector Faceplant fame, sings lead. As usual, he's sardonic, half-crazy and pretty damn arresting. You can preview tracks here. "The Biggest Egg" is the jam.

DIZZY REED'S
HOOKERS N' BLOW
10 p.m., Sticky Fingerz. Cover TBA.

When James Lipton asked Sean Penn about his movies' entertainment value on “Inside the Actor's Studio,” Penn replied, “If it's enter-tainment you're looking for, grab a couple of hookers and an eight-ball.” Longtime Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed apparently shares this philosophy, along with practically every Headbanger's Ball veteran who survived the debauchery inherent to 1980s hair bands — women at every corner and enough cocaine to alter the outcome of six Super Bowls. Perhaps Reed's current touring ensemble, Hookers N' Blow, represents an homage to surviving such reckless abandon. One of only two remaining G N' R members from the “Use Your Illusion” days who still hold a place on its unsteady roster, Reed, flanked by Hookers N' Blow, makes his way into Sticky Fingerz to administer a loading dose of G N' R tunes, as well as originals and a handful of well-known covers. Expect Reed to handle vocals and keys as well as guitars. Who would expect that Reed is additionally a fan of Christian music pioneer Larry Norman, that he recently scored music for “The Still Life” as well as “Celebrity Art Show,” or that he's tried his hand at acting, appearing as Mumbles in the 2005 film “Charlie's Death Wish”? To his credit, Reed was named Outstanding Keyboardist of the Year at the 2007 Rock City Awards (“Rockies”), and Hookers N' Blow was also named Best Cover Band. May be interesting to see why. —Paul Peterson

‘GODSPELL'
7:30 p.m., Weekend Theater. $14-$18.

The Weekend Theater bills “Godspell,” the musical that first hit off-Broadway in 1971, as an agape — a love-feast — dedicated to light and joy and love. Love-feast? There will, at least, be singing, probably joyful. Drawing its name from an archaic pronunciation of “gospel,” “Godspell” explores the teachings of Jesus from the book of Matthew, parables like the Good Samaritan, Lazarus and the prodigal son. Expect humor, irreverence and singing. The musical numbers combine the lyrics of traditional hymns with more modern music — rock, folk, country and pop. You might remember the exuberant “Day by Day.” It made it to No. 13 on the Billboard charts in 1972.

RUNAWAY PLANET
10 p.m., White Water Tavern. $5.

Since 2001, Runaway Planet has been the standard bearer for bluegrass in Little Rock. A four-piece string band that features stand-up bass, mandolin, guitar and banjo, the Planet storms into White Water on Friday to celebrate the release of its sophomore album, “Tarnation.” Like the group's debut, their latest follows well-trodden territory, mixing standards and originals that deal in old-timey tropes we can all appreciate — wayfaring strangers, floods, women with the devil in them. Everyone in the band — that'd be Greg Alexander, Steve Brauer, Ben Ellis and Michael Proveaux — enjoys songwriting credit and all save Ellis contribute to impressive three-part harmonies. Depending on your energy, expect a night of toe-tapping, two-stepping or foot-stomping.

THE JULY CHILL
8 p.m., Cornerstone Pub. $10.

The best monthly local hip-hop event returns to the theme-night well for its latest edition: “The Dime featuring Spades and Dominoes Tournament.” Aside from squeezing nine acts into four hours, the night's big attraction will be a spades and dominoes tournament. There'll be 10 tables, but only one winning team, who'll receive unnamed prizes. Also, the audience will have a chance to vote for the “coldest” member of the opposite sex in attendance. The winners will be crowned king and queen (like prom!) at the end of the night. The headliners include full-time hustler, part-time rapper Epiphany, throwback MC Rockst'r, R&B up-and-comer Dave Harmony and the al-ways impressive female MC Shea Marie.