-- Patterson Hood: Co-founder of the très hip Athens, Georgia rock/alt-country/cowpunk band Drive-By Truckers performs solo tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Swedish American Hall, 2170 Market (as Sanchez); $15.

-- Arise, Hollowhed, Agenda of Swine, and Alta Mira: Scary loud heavy metal will help wipe away poor Brit's depressing performance (and the subsequent vaginal shot sequel later on in the evening [NSFW]). The thrashing starts tonight at 9 p.m. at Elbo Room, 647 Valencia; $5.

-- George Saunders: Short-story writer reads and signs copies of his bit of non-fiction, The Braindead Megaphon, tonight at 7 p.m. at Booksmith, 1644 Haight (at Cole); free.