Daryl Hall is playing at Boarding House Park tonight, July 3, and I had the chance to interview him for this week's Lowell Sun. Thanks to a new monthly webcast, Hall is staying in touch with his longtime fans and even reaching some younger ones. Gone are the days of the well-groomed coif and the new wave synth's. Tonight's show is going to be good.

In the mood for some great music to go with your Thursday night sunset? Then head up to Manchester, N.H., any Thursday in July for their "Thursday Night Live" summer concert series. It's a nice change of pace from the Lowell Summer Music (more importantly, it's on Thursdays, which means it likely won't interfere with your weekend night marathon dance sessions on the Boarding House Park grass). Oh, and Rush is in town this Friday night, July 11.

More Lowell Summer Music fun this week with Daryl Hall (Thursday, July 3) and Assembly of Dust (Saturday, July 5) at Boarding House Park. Take advantage.

Effect takes a break from Los Wunder Twins Del Rap to drop this stellar solo release, although his Twin D-Tension provides writing and production credits. With singles "It Ain't Me" and "My Kinda' Girl" set to burn up the airwaves, this Lowell MC might get the big break he deserves.

The name Swervedriver may not mean much to a lot of people, but in the early 90s, their CDs were constantly in rotation on my stereo. So naturally, I was ecstatic to hear they were coming to Boston on their first tour since announcing an indefinite hiatus in 1999. But could they live up to the live shows of their heyday?

The Concerts in the Courtyard series at the MFA in Boston is top-notch entertainment in an intimate outdoor setting and with some of the most talented up-and-comers around. This season sounds especially appealing, thanks to shows by Beth Orton (July 2), Dengue Fever (July 9), and Grizzly Bear (August 4).