Eddie from Ohio plays Wednesday night at the Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg.

IO Jukebox

Eddie from Ohio

• This is Me
• Baltimore

The Afromotive

• Yako
• Lies

Eddie from Ohio

In an era when thousands of artists of every genre are available on demand, the modern musician is left to struggle for distinction. With everyone insisting they don't sound like anyone else, the music press has taken to simply stamping the term "eclectic" on practically everything.

With that in mind, I'll admit to cringing when I noticed "eclectic" kept popping up in descriptions of Eddie from Ohio. But once I put down the newspaper clippings and picked up the headphones, it was a different story. In the first five minutes, I heard pop harmonies that were catchy enough for college radio, jazz melody with all the richness and depth of Dizzy Gillespie and acoustic folk roots strong enough to almost reach Nashville. The percussion was intricate and varied, yet surprisingly subtle and never overpowering.

I struggled to adequately define them. "Good" kept coming to mind, but any attempt to classify had me feeling as though I left something out.

And therein lies the greatest aspect of EFO -- that you can listen and identify one of a dozen styles that make it original, or you can sit back and marvel at how well they do it all together.

Details: 8 p.m. Wednesday, the Lyric Theatre, 135 College Ave., downtown Blacksburg. $13 and $18. (540) 951-4771, www.thelyric.com.

K92's Retro Ho Ho with Danny & Zack

With 80'Z Enuff and Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi Tribute)

Genre: '80s rock, glam and New Wave

Sounds like: The music blaring from the Pontiac Trans Am in front of you.

Why it's on the list: I love the '80s, and you do, too. K92's Danny and Zack are inviting you to dig out the retro gear, suit up and party the night away with two great bands who'll be serving up big hits and even bigger hair. Like, totally ...

When: 9:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Awful Arthur's, Towers Shopping Center, Roanoke, 777-0007

Cost: $10 advance; $12 on Friday

Ages: 21+

Web: 80zenuff.com

Toubab Krewe

Genre: West African jam rock

Sounds like: Duane Eddy's jam with 311

Why it's on the list: It's a relentless groove; a nonstop improvisational excursion that takes you from Latin swing, to surf, to hip-hop and back around again.

When: 9:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Awful Arthur's, Towers Shopping Center, Roanoke, 777-0007

Cost: $8 in advance; $10 on Wednesday

Ages: 21+

Web: www.toubabkrewe.com

The Afromotive

Genre: "Nu Afrobeat"

Sounds like: A modern tribal party mix

Why it's on the list: Because it's rare that you get to celebrate tradition and break from it at the same time. Afromotive's use of modern electronic sampling turns traditional African percussion into a sound for today.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Sun Music Hall, Floyd, (540) 745-7880

Cost: $10 advance; $12 on Saturday

Web: www.theafromotive.com

Blackjack & the Longhaulers, New Roanoke Jug Band & Poor Farm

Genre: Country rock, folk and traditional

Sounds like: Country boys and girls getting down on the farm.

Why it's on the list: Because it's a pure Virginia party -- down-home songs about real life, a raucous atmosphere and drinks strong enough to get you through it all.

When: 9 p.m. Friday

Where: Green Dolphin Grille, downtown Roanoke, 857-0688

Cost: $5

Ages: 21+

Web: www.myspace.com/blackjackandthelonghaulers

The Pop Rivets

Genre: Pop, hip-hop and rock 'n' roll

Sounds like: Bryan Adams' collaboration with Sir Mix-a-Lot

Why it's on the list: The folks at Martin's in downtown Roanoke are throwing a party to commemorate their first year of business, and they've invited the Pop Rivets to provide the soundtrack. Expect a full dance floor and a set list of fan favorites.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Martin's Downtown Bar and Grille, Roanoke, 985-6278

Cost: Free

Ages: 21+

Web: www.thepoprivets.com