When we tried to call Wammo, co-founder of the wacky, acoustic alterna-swing/blues band Asylum Street Spankers, all we got was the sound of sirens and Wammo screaming, "Oh my God, oh my God, look out!" followed by a beep. We're glad Wammo's got a sick sense of humor; otherwise, we'd be worried that he's really injured and might miss his appointment to rock the Rhythm Room, 1019 East Indian School, on Thursday, August 11. But the Wammster and his six fellow Spankers have proven to be hardy road warriors, cramming themselves into a van and touring relentlessly since the band's inception 11 years ago, a regimen that produces electrifying, spontaneous live shows. And while you could pick up the band's last two CDs (Strawberry and Pussycat) to hear recordings of its live performances, we hear that nothing compares to getting up close and personal with A.S.S. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $12. Call 602-265-4842. -- Niki D'Andrea
Days of Our Life and Times
Fig leaves stay in place
FRI 8/12
Oh, to experience the life and times of the post-rock band The Life and Times. Once, during an L&T live show, Chippendale dancers performed a racy romp onstage. "None of us wanted to take our guitars off," says guitarist and lead singer Allen Epley. Formerly of Shiner, Epley describes his new band's music as "a very beautiful pregnant woman wandering the desert, dying of thirst, but always following that bright yet ultimately illusive oasis." Doors open at 8 p.m. Friday, August 12, at Modified Arts, 407 East Roosevelt. Admission is $7. Call 602-462-5516 or visit www.modified.org. -- Steve Jansen
Islamabad Calling
Paki Pop is not a frozen treat
SAT 8/13
Odd as it may seem, Pakistan has a burgeoning music scene called Paki Pop that includes such internationally renowned artists as Ali Zafar, Najam Shiraz, Fakhir, and Shehzad Roy. There'll be a bit of P-Pop from vocalist Saira Arshad, as well as additional Pakistani music from the 1960s to today, at "Sunehrie Yaadain (Golden Memories)," scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, August 13, at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 West Adams. (Shehzad Roy was initially scheduled to headline the event, but had to cancel at the last minute because he'll be performing at the Pakistani Prime Minister's Independence Day celebration on August 14.) "Sunehrie Yaadain" is presented by the local Pakistan Information and Cultural Organization (PICO). Presale tickets are $30, $20 under 18. Day-of-show tix are $35, $25 under 18. Kids 2 and younger get in free. Tickets can be purchased at the Orpheum or by calling 623-572-9526 or 480-857-6191. More info: 602-262-7272. -- Clay McNear
