Detroit Free Press Brian Mccollum Music column Brian McCollum's music weekend

The Texas titans of heavy groove rock now feature the front man services of ex-Soil member Ryan McCombs, third vocalist for the Dallas quartet. 7 p.m., the Hayloft, 140 N. Main, Mt. Clemens. 248-645-6666. $15.

Phil Vassar

Vassar has been a stealth country star of sorts, rising to quiet Top 10 standing after years as a reliable Nashville hit-smith for other artists. The pianist and "Nashville Star" panelist is touring this summer on the back of his "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" album, which includes personalized renditions of songs he wrote for Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw. With Emerson Drive, Steve Azar and Taylor Swift. 7 p.m., DTE Energy Music Theatre, I-75 at Exit 89, Clarkston. 248-377-0100. $10-$20.

Suzy Bogguss

A solo acoustic performance from the versatile, high-end country stylist. 8 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 734-761-1451. $25, $30.

SATURDAY: Kenny Chesney

The country superstar and friend-of-Uncle-Kracker rides into Ford Field for Detroit's only stadium show so far in '06, a gilded affair featuring support from Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Blaine Larsen and Jake Owen. Chesney's decade-long rise has placed him in a unique position in the modern music world; see story, Page 1F. 4:30 p.m., Ford Field, 2000 Brush, Detroit. 248-645-6666. $68.50, $81.

Dope

Brothers Edsel and Simon Dope head up this New York ensemble and its theatrical take on roughneck industrial-metal. 7 p.m., the Hayloft, 140 N. Main, Mt. Clemens. 248-645-6666. $15.

Under the Influence of Giants

The colorful Southern California rock band arrives on the heels of its self-titled debut album, released earlier this month by Island Records, toting a bag of pop hooks and breezy disco-funk. 7 p.m., the Shelter, 431 E. Congress, Detroit. 313-961-6358. $7.

The B-52's

Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson lead their frisky Athens, Ga., collective toward decade No. 3. 7:30 p.m., Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights. 586-268-5100. $10-$45.

SUNDAY: Hippiefest 2006

Old Woodstock hand Wavy Gravy hosts an evening of throwback rock 'n' roll grooves, led by Detroiters Mitch Ryder and Rare Earth and featuring appearances by the wizened likes of Canned Heat, Mountain, Country Joe McDonald, Denny Laine, Terry Sylvester and Melanie. 6:30 p.m., DTE Energy Music Theatre, I-75 at Exit 89. 248-377-0100. $10, $35.50.

French Kicks

Stylish, melodic post-punk from a cerebral New York band riding high on its new Vagrant Records debut, "Two Thousand." With Matt and Kim. 8 p.m., Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit. 313-833-9700. $8.