Lovedrug at Alley Katz

Contrary to the name, this isn't "break-your-heart" rock, though those breathy new new-wave vocals might pull a tear anyway. The songs power along through film-inspired tunes with images of brutality, mystery and the surreal pulled from "Fight Club," "Blue Velvet" and "The Godfather." Oh yeah, you'll be crying in your popcorn Saturday, Aug. 19, 5-9 p.m. with Copeland, Action Reaction and FIAD. $12. 643-2816.

Angie Aparo at the Canal Club

The independent songwriter's tools are many these days: MySpace, podcasts, tours, online videos. Aparo uses them all to get his alliterative name out there. Plus of course his sound: driving guitar rock punctuated with jittery synth and howling vocals. Ah, but how will he handle a live audience without his precious computers? He plays the Canal Club Thursday, Aug. 18, with Samantha Stollenwerck at 8:30 p.m. $12. 643-2582.

Elvis Is Still Dead

And every year on Aug. 16 we must remember he who sang and loved and ate strange sandwiches. Bandito's is host to an Elvis D-Day party with the purpose of drawing out the Elvisish, the Elvoid ... people who dress like Elvis. Rockabilly gentleman Wrenn Mangum assumes the pompadour and lip curl with the help of Gorgeous, a modified version of those Hamaganza boys, 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Free. 354-9999.

Best Friends Day 5

First of all, just check this Web site: www.myspace.com/bestfriendsday. This octopus of an event has a lot going on, including these fine points:

Roller-skate 'n' rock 'n' roll at Skateland Thursday, Aug. 17, with Kylesa, I Object, Environmental Youth Crunch, Hex Machine and The Keyons at 7 p.m.

Municipal Waste, DJ Assault, Caustic Christ, Annihilation Time and Ultra Dolphins at Alley Katz Friday, Aug. 18, 6:30-11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). $8. 643-2816.

A fine afternoon of water sports at Hadad's Lake Saturday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m., followed by a show at Nanci Raygun at 8 p.m. with Pink Razors, Brainworms, Minutemen, Triple Twins, Jokers of the Scene, Bobby La Beat. $6. 353-4263.

Barbeque fun at 512 E. Eighth St. with music and wrestling action with Richmond Lucha Sunday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.

This holiday-type thing won't stay confined to Richmond forever. In five more years, who knows? Days off work? Statues? Stamps? S

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