Music 3: Country singer David Allan Coe comes to Durty Nellie's

Outlaw in the suburbs

David Allan Coe, an acclaimed and often controversial country singer from the 1970s and 1980s, will bring his gritty tales of hard luck and broken love to Durty Nellie's this weekend. Known for his witty and sometimes off-color lyrics, Coe helped pioneer the "outlaw" country sound popularized by Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Stop by to see the real deal.

David Allan Coe will play at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $24. Call (847) 358-9150, ext. 20.

Calling all musicians

Think you have what it takes to become the area's newest musical sensation? You can prove it by entering the "Sound Off" music competition, which is hosted by the Chicago Public Library and open to suburbanites whose libraries have reciprocal agreements with the city (most suburban libraries do). Aspiring musicians can submit one or two original songs inspired by life in the Chicago area. A panel of judges that includes acclaimed hip-hop artist Rhymefest will choose a Grand Prize Winner who will perform live at a special Sound Off concert and win a studio package at Electrical Audio, the studio founded by legendary Chicago producer and musician Steve Albini.

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 27. For official rules and entry guidelines, visit the Chicago Public Library's "Sound Off" Web site at chipublib.org/notwhatyouthink.

Phoenix rising

Indie-rock fans have flipped for "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," the latest slice of dance-oriented pop from French group Phoenix. The band arrives in Chicago next week for a date at the Aragon. Chances for a sellout are high, so act fast.

Phoenix will play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence, Chicago. $20. Call (800) 745-3000.