Magpies Band celebrates release of its new disc.

Fans of Roger Hoover & the Whiskeyhounds will want to check out the band's more-or-less reincarnation as the Magpies (magpiesmusic.com), anthemic, folkie roots rockers with a touch of Springsteen or the Wallflowers. The band, which includes vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Hoover, keyboardist Justin Gorski, drummer Dave McKean and bassist/violinist Chris Yohn (the latter two also known for playing with Pogues tribute band the Boys from County Hell), will celebrate the release of its first album under the Magpies name, titled Eastern Standard Time, at the House of Blues Cambridge Room (308 Euclid Ave., 216.241.5555) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Tickets: $10. The band will also be appearing on Dee Perry's midday show, Around Noon, on WCPN FM 90.3 on Thursday, May 8. — Anastasia Pantsios

Rock Hall Benefit Offers Eclectic Line-up

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's big annual benefit, It's Only Rock and Roll, returns to Public Hall (500 Lakeside Ave.) from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, May 10 with its typically eclectic lineup of pop music performances including Patty Smyth of Scandal fame, Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm, Akron-born Howard Hewitt of '80s smooth R&B act Shalamar, Wild Cherry ("Play That Funky Music") mastermind Rob Parissi, Louis Prima Jr., Kim Carnes ("Bette Davis Eyes"), Roy Head and the first rap act to have a hit, Sugarhill Gang. The all-star house band includes Bill Joel drummer Liberty DeVito, bassist Will Lee from The Late Show with David Letterman, .38 Special guitarist Jeff Carlisi, guitarist Ricky Byrd from Joan Jett's Blackhearts and keyboard player Rob Arthur, who's played with Joan Osborne and Peter Frampton. The event also includes a live auction for prizes such as a tour of the Porsche factory in Stuttgart, Germany, dinner with LeBron James and an internship at Rolling Stone. Floor tickets, which include access to food and drinks and the chance to get close to the stage, are $300; call 216.515.1207. Balcony tickets are also available for $15; call Ticketmaster at 216.241.5555. Money raised benefits the Rock Hall's education programs. Go to rockhall.com/support/gala for more info. — AP

American Werewolves Release New Album

Hardcore horror-punk quartet American Werewolves celebrate the release of their latest album, The Lonely Ones, at the Pirates Cove (2083 E. 21st St., 216.776.9999) at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9. It follows up the band's 2005 release, 1968. Tickets: $6. — AP

Rock Finalists play Agora

The five bands that were nominated in the Best Rock Band category of this year's Free Times Music Awards will perform together on a showcase at the Agora Ballroom (5000 Euclid Ave., 216.881.2221) at 8 p.m. Friday, May 9. Pat the Producer and Jim Benson, hosts of 92.3's Inner Sanctum, will emcee the event that features the Doctor Teeeth, Redwater Rojo, Lunavelis, the Jack Fords and the winners, Rosella. Tickets are $6 advance, $8 at the door. — AP

Who Killed Marilyn? Returns

Who Killed Marilyn?, which blends metal and technical punk, returns after a two-year break with a new EP titled The American Dream that features old and new songs and a cover of Jimmy Eat World's "Bleed American." The EP will be available for free to all ticket holders at its comeback show at Peabody's (2083 E. 21st St., 216.776.9999) at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9. A Phoenix Down, Set Free Among the Dead Themselves and Most Unlikely Story are also on the bill. Tickets: $6. — AP

Jigsaw and HIFI Merge

The Jigsaw Saloon (5324 State Rd.) and the HIFI Concert Club (11729 Detroit Ave.) have become one hard-rocking entity. The two clubs recently announced their merger and as a result, the HIFI will have an expanded lunch and dinner menu. The club will be christened "The Jigsaw Saloon at the HIFI," and founders Jimmy Maler and Billy Morris will have a bigger role in booking bands at both venues. The HIFI will also get an improved sound system out of the deal. — Jeff Niesel