Friday, August 24

Raleigh
CARTEL
N.C. STATE CAMPUSYou know Cartel because they recorded an album in a bubble filled with cameras this summer in New York. Despite such aggressively marketed “adventurousness,” Cartel is probably the safest band in the game. If you’re looking for rock music that takes risks, these Atlanta lads aren’t for you. But if you’re looking for the sugary pop hooks of early-’00s tween-punks and the transparent power of popsters like All-American Rejects, this is a safe bet. With The Honorary Title, Brooks Wood Band, Mercy Mercedes and Weatherbox. Tickets for a 6 p.m. start are free for the Wolfpack and $18 for others. Robbie Mackey

Durham
DENNIS MCFARLAND
REGULATOR BOOKSHOPAuthor Dennis McFarland discusses his novel Letter from Point Clear, and his characters’ struggles with family dysfunction, gay marriage and evangelical Christianity. The talk begins at 7 p.m. Visit regbook.com for info. Karlie Justus

Chapel Hill
THE DODOS
LOCAL 506Dodos leader Meric Long writes twisted torch songs for untamed lovers who he thinks are better than he is. “I feed myself/ You feed the poor,” he sings on the brilliant “Men,” internalizing his inferiority but fighting it with perfectly arching, rhythm-driven anthems for fleet acoustic guitar and concussive percussion. With Jennifer Gentle and Alina Simone. Tickets are $8-$10 for the 10 p.m. show. Grayson Currin