MON 6/21
Poor Margaret Doll Rod. Considering her album cover art, for which she wears only a strategically placed guitar -- not to mention her equally bawdy stage show, where her, um, weapons sometimes slip out of their holsters -- it's no wonder her power chords often play second fiddle to her hottie reputation. But ask any Detroit rock aficionado about her band, the Demolition Doll Rods, and the divine Miss M gets plenty of props for her leering and occasionally off-key vocal work, not to mention the band's garish, garage-style sleaze rock with its thumping beat and slashing guitars. The band includes her sister Christine, who plays drums stand-up-style and could beat down Meg White any day, and dog collar-wearing guitarist Dan Kroha, a former member of the Gories, a Detroit mainstay that would have its own floor with the MC5 in a garage-rock hall of fame. Likewise, the Doll Rods are true to the punk ethic, still trudging along even though they peaked in popularity in the late '90s. "I think a lot of people would be happy if the Doll Rods quit," Margaret said recently. "I let that shit inspire me." 10 p.m. Monday, June 21. Rudyard's, 2010 Waugh Drive. For information, call 713-521-0521. $8. -- Greg Barr
Those Lovable Lawyers
Night Court is back in session
If you don't think lawyers are creative types, think again. It can take a lot of imagination to sway a jury. The Houston Bar Association is showcasing the talents of its members in this year's edition of Night Court. Hailed as a classic mystery with clueless lawyers, The Law in Black and White features a cast of local attorneys, judges and politicians taking a stab at solving a crime -- while acting like black-and-white television characters. Aside from all the inside jokes, the show's apparently the real deal. Last year's event sold out all three nights, and this year's is expected to do the same, which is notable, considering that the play features no actors, just attorneys…oh, who are we kidding? Aren't they the same thing? 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, June 17 through 19. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.thehobbycenter.org. $26. -- Lance Walker
On The Fly
SAT 6/19
The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company has been performing at the Wortham for about five years, and executive director Michelle Smith and company are in no hurry to give up their swanky digs. So Met Dance is teaming up with Fly Dance Company for a summer concert -- that way fans of both groups will show up, and there will be enough butts in the seats. You can expect all kinds of performances from these two contemporary companies, including a piece called "What Lola Wants," inspired by the musical Damn Yankees. Says Smith, "It's got a little twist that involves food." 8 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Cullen Theater, 501 Texas. For information, call 713-522-6375 or visit www.houstonmetdance.com. $18 to $35. -- Keith Plocek
Fused Grooves
SAT 6/19
For most anyone who digs a shifty bass line (performed, not sampled), Stanley Clarke needs no intro. The innovative bassist has been coasting on the jazz/R&B/pop wave for years. Reunited with guitar deity Al DiMeola and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, Clarke will kick out some refreshed fusion tunes from the trio's 1995 collaboration, Rite of Strings, at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Verizon Wireless Theater, 520 Texas. For tickets, call 713-629-3700 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. $27.50 to $46.50. -- Steven Devadanam
