This double-whammy of up-and-coming southern roots-rockers is a can’t miss for folks weaned on the hearts-on-their-sleeves, guitars and whiskey world of The Replacements, Steve Earle’s Dukes, Gram Parsons and even relative newbies like Lucero. Columbia, S.C.’s American Gun just finished a new CD produced by alt.rock legend Chris Stamey, and that record even features a cameo by Flying Burrito Brother Al Perkins! Raleigh’s American Aquarium is cut from the same basic cloth, but add a violin and organ into the mix, which adds a definite Silos vibe — never a bad thing. Fri., 11 pm, The Jinx.

This native of Waynesboro is a rising star in the international jazz world. A trombonist of seemingly endless enthusiasm and potential, he was plucked from relative obscurity by Wynton Marsalis. This led Gordon to performing at Lincoln Center and teaching at Julliard. A favorite of Savannah Music Fest crowds, where he’s been a featured act for ages, this show finds him playing “an Evening of Gospel Hymns and Spirituals with a tinge of jazz” backed by a small combo. Proceeds benefit MEDBANK, which provides prescription medicines for the needy with chronic health problems in Chatham, Effingham and Bryan Counties. Tickets are $40 (or $20 for students) and can be reserved by calling 232-1251 or 356-2898. Sat., 7:30 pm, St. John’s Church (1 W. Macon St.).

Traditionally, each year on Halloween night, local musicians band together, dress up as some of their favorite artists, and play short tribute sets at this downtown venue. This year, the lineup includes The Misfits, Minor Threat, Alice Cooper (portrayed by Thee Futbolbatts), Black Flag (portrayed by The 10 1/2), and The White Stripes (portrayed by members of Hot Pink Interior). Not only do these local artists let their hair down and have a grand old time, they usually put a significant amount of work into these 30-minute routines. Highly recommended. Wed., 11 pm, The Jinx.

So, what’s a lipbone, you ask? Well, it’s the name Lawrence Redding gave to his uncanny ability to mimic the sound of a brass instrument using on his mouth. This NYC-based “voicestrumentalist” does a mean fake trombone, as well as a few other wind instruments, but he’s also an impressive and captivating vocalist as well. Backed by the sympathetic rhythm section of standup bassist Jeff Eyrich and drummer Rich Zukor (both late of the Big Apple neo-cocktail-jazz darlings Dave’s True Story), this singing (and blowing) guitarist has developed a laid-back hipster shtick that’s surprisingly not as grating as a written description like this might suggest. There are echoes of worldbeat, reggae and vintage soul in their sparse, funky bop (no doubt related to Redding’s travels through South America, Europe and India, where he studied throat singing and other ethnic genres), but more than anything, these guys are just cool. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

Damn, this Charlotte-based “indie-cana” act is crazy good. Any self-respecting fan of Tom Petty, Son Volt, Bruce Springsteen or —especially— the late Warren Zevon should check out what they’re putting down, regardless of the fact that he’s currently flying below just about everybody’s radar. Tues., 8 pm, The Sentient Bean - ALL-AGES.

Indie groove-band supergroup featuring members of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Giant People and Starshak. They’ve played 200 shows in the past 18 months and recently won Best Jazz Album at the 2007 San Diego Music Awards. This is intense, high-wire improv with a rock punch. Wed., Nov. 7, 10 pm, Locos (downtown).

Crazy-ass costumed Nashville prog-surf/Bad Seeds-esque septet who’s written a concept album about the backstory behind the Mega Man videogame franchise. No, really. Fantastic, anthemic stuff. They’ll play between performances of Rocky Horror at this small theater space. Thurs., 10:30 pm, Savannah Actor’s Theatre (703-D Louisville Rd.) - ALL-AGES.

Ultra-hip, NYC melodic indie-rock quintet fronted by the most excellent guitarist/frontwoman Shonali Bhowmik (formerly of Atlanta’s much-missed Ultrababyfat). Pick up on them in a small room before they blow up real good (I hope). For fans of Tiger! Tiger!, Dressy Bessy and Little Red Rocket (remember them?). Wed., Nov. 7, 10 pm, Hang Fire.