Ellington

We are edging closer to the middle of the summer, which means the sultry sun is taking its toll on our sizzling skin. Outdoor music festivals and backyard barbecue jams are in full swing and perhaps some of us are basking in the glow of summer-loving. To cool off after a long day of lounging in the inflatable pool, check out some of the city's nightspots.

Thursday, June 11, offers several options for music lovers. The Auditorium welcomes singer-songwriter Shaun Patterson, and Alley and the Housecats will play a free show at Hal & Mal's Restaurant. If you really want to cool off, head over to Club Fire and dance the night away as they host a foam party with music provided by DJ Reign. I've never had the pleasure of boogying in a sea of bubbles, but from what I've seen on YouTube, it's a wild time. DJ Seanmac will put your body in motion when he plays a set at Seven*Studioz. Dick & Jane's will again welcome some of Jackson's most fabulous performers to the stage for their annual Miss Dick & Jane's Pageant.

On Friday, June 12, Hal & Mal's Red Room is the site of the Chick Jam Benefit with Anna Kline, Lizzie Wright, The Bachelorettes, and others at 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Center for Violence Prevention. Also at 9 p.m., Memphis-based alternative rockers Saliva will headline Club Fire with Splendid Chaos and Adelita's Way. Enjoy the soulful sensation Jackie Bell when she performs with Michael Burks at the 930 Blues Café. For any of you itching to catch a glimpse of an up-and-coming act, look no further than Outformation. Sam Holt, the group's lead guitarist, is a former guitar technician for Widespread Panic. The band has built a solid reputation for wowing audiences with their fierce stage presence. Down in Biloxi, The Commodores will bring their funky, vibrant sound to the Beau Rivage.

The Auditorium welcomes accomplished songwriter Larry Brewer to the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday. Brewer has played with musical acts such as the Beach Boys, Peter Frampton and Jefferson Starship. If you miss the '80s as much as I do, crash into Club Fire Saturday, June 13, and experience The Molly Ringwalds as they play all the hits from the decade of Reaganomics at 9 p.m. Another of Jackson's favorite cover bands, The Hardline Monks, will perform down the street at Hal & Mal's Saturday. Rounding out the evening are St. Adonis at Martin's, and Ole Tavern will welcome Charmed I'm Sure to their stage for a night of raucous mischief.

Get ready to jam, y'all. After you get off work Friday, June 19, head downtown ASAP for Jubilee!JAM. Catch bluesmen JJ Grey & Mofro. Cyril Neville & Tribe 13 will bring the funky-roots sound of New Orleans. These jams will transcend nicely into the grooves of alt/jazz kings Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Saturday, June 20, will be a day of rock. Joan Jett, Drowning Pool and Tantric hit the stage. Joan Jett is still as foxy as ever. Hip-Hop icon David Banner has perhaps done more for promoting Mississippi and her music since Elvis. Help welcome him home Saturday.

You can sample all the bands, turn on to something new and support local music festivals at http://www.jubileejam.com.

Speaking of outdoor festivals, some lucky souls will be road-trippin' to a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn., this weekend to witness a large serving of outdoor musical mayhem. Bonnarooooo! (Bring your sunscreen.) On Friday, the Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Phish and Girl Talk start off the weekend right. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Wilco, of Montreal and The Mars Volta headline a star-studded Saturday. Andrew Bird, Band of Horses and a repeat performance by Phish close out a spectacular weekend on Sunday.