Who are The Mynabirds (who are opening tonight's These United States show at Slowdown Jr.)? Well it's the new project by former Georgie James member Laura Burhenn. Her yet-to-be-released new album, What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, was recorded with singer/songwriter/producer Richard Swift. You can hear a bit of it on the Mynabirds myspace page, or better yet, come down to Slowdown and hear it live. Also opening is Jake Bellows. $7, 9 p.m.

Also tonight, as if you didn't know, is Tortoise at The Waiting Room. I didn't think we'd see these guys again after their last show at TWR (in June 2007) didn't sell out (read my comments here), but here they are, better than ever with a brand new album on ThrillJockey called Beacons of Ancestorship. Opening is Prefuse 73. $15, 9 p.m

O'Leaver's has Static Static tonight with Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship and The Prairies. $5, 9:30 p.m.

And then there's Day 2 of Lincoln Calling. The sched is below. The big LC news, announced just yesterday, is that the reunited Mercy Rule -- complete with drummer Ron Albertson -- will be performing Saturday night at Duffy's as part of Lincoln Calling. I just figured out which night I'll be heading down to Lincoln.

Bourbon Theatre -- 8 p.m., $8 for 18+

9:15-9:45 Talking Mountain
9:50-10:20 Capgun Coup
10:25-10:55 Conchance
11-1 Goo DJs

Duffy’s Tavern

Early -- 6 p.m., $5 for all ages

6-8:30 Academy of Rock celebrates Banned Book week

Late -- 9 p.m., $3 suggested donation for 21+

9-9:45 Techlepathy
10-10:45 Ideal Cleaners
11-11:45 Fromanhole
12-12:45 Masses

Zoo Bar -- 9 p.m., $5 for 21+

9-9:45 Mal Madrigal
10-10:45 Loup River Band and Street Choir
11-11:45 Matt Cox Band
12-1 Son of 76 and the Watchmen

12th St. Pub -- 9 p.m., $3 for 21+. $5 for 18-20

9:30-10:30 Andrews Ave
10:50-11:30 Jodie Loves Hinckley
11:45-1 Tempo

Bricktop -- 10 p.m., free for 21+

Ol’ Moanin’ Corpse
DJ Relic
Jacob Smith

DJs will decide rotation

Duggans Pub -- 9 p.m., $5 for 21+

Bandit Sound
Dethmask
To the Grave

Songwriter Power Ranger street corner stomp

6:30-7:00 Jon Wesley Crusher
6:50-7:20 Rebecca McPherson
7:10-7:40 Manny Coon
7:30-8:00 Grant Centauri

Marz Bar

Early -- 6 p.m., free for 21+

7-9 p.m. Son of 76 and the Watchmen

Late -- 10 p.m., free for 21+

Dr. Zhivago
Conrad

DJs will decide rotation

--Got comments? Post 'em here.--