This Week

When he first surfaced in 1998, singer/songwriter Gary Jules wasn't given much of a chance by his recorded label, A&M, So his major label debut, "Greetings from the Side," was a commercial flop. But when Jules self-released his sophomore effort "Trading Snakeoil for Wolkftickets" in 2001, critics and audiences were given a second chance to discover Jules' delicately rousing voice and simplistic songwriting. Jules' style manages to pull listeners in despite its mellow undertones. He sings with a painful sincerity both heartbreaking and calming, and the singer never misses a chance to make his clever lyrics the focal point of the songs. Jules rose to the height of his fame with his cover of Tears For Fears' "Mad World" for the 2001 psychological drama "Donnie Darko." His newest self-titled album was released in 2006 and contains the hit "Falling Awake." Gary Jules will perform at The Village Tavern, 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Saturday with AM and Mando Saenz. Tickets are $10 at the door or online at www.village-tavern.com. The show starts at 6 p.m. Visit www.village-tavern.com for more information.

Ezra Furman

Although Boston singer/songwriter Ezra Furman has yet to even finish college, his animated, and often manic, vocal/writing style already has been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes. Furman's passionate outpouring of punk-infused folk music carries with it an alarming appeal that is frighteningly good — not only for someone Furman's age, but for anyone at any age. Ezra Furman will perform at The Map Room, 1650 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Thursday with The OutTrap and Haley Shaw. Tickets are $5 at the door. The show starts at 10 p.m. Visit www.themaproom.net for more information.

Andy Gonzales

Andy Gonzales (Of Montreal, Marshmallow Coast) has embarked on his own electronic/indie project aptly titled Andy From Denver. Gonzales' debut album, "Phreak Phantasy," is set for a fall release, but Gonzales will embark on a spring tour to spread the word. Early cuts from the album are set in a similar psychedelic pop tone as Gonzales' previous band, Of Montreal. Andy From Denver will perform at The Map Room with KO Monday night. Tickets are $5 at the door. Show starts at 9 p.m. Visit www.themaproom.net for more information.

The New Familiars

The New Familiars sound just the way its name suggests. A modern take on classic mountain music that is, indeed, freshly familiar. Dubbing its sound "thrash folk," The New Familiars have risen through the ranks of the Southeast's army of Americana bands with its bold and dark brand of folk music to build a niche for themselves in and around its North Carolina birthplace. Though lacking strong melodies and impressive vocal talents, The New Familiars still manage to pull off an eclectic, yet grounded, style of American music. The New Familiars will perform with White Rhino and Moonlight Ale on Saturday at The Map Room, 1650 Sam Rittenberg. Tickets are $5 at the door. Show starts at 10 p.m. Visit www.themaproom.net for more information.