This week the music world turns its gaze to the party they call SXSW. A number of local bands are hitting the scene in hopes that it will propel them to some worldwide tour – or at least help them get out of that "garden level" apartment in Medford. While some eyes turn south to Texas where an immigration debate runs wild the US immigration policy has taken a toll on the local concert scene. According to the Rodrigo y Gabriela website the Tuesday night show in Boston has been cancelled.

ATO Records recording artist Rodrigo y Gabriela will unfortunately be unable to honor their upcoming American Langerado performance this Sunday [and Boston, Tuesday] . Due to new U.S. immigration policies and procedures, guitarist Rodrigo Sanchez's visa renewal has unexpectedly been delayed.

Tuesday, 3/13
The Roots and Lupe Fiasco
What could be better than a night of the foundation movement and the illadelph halflife? How 'bout when ?uestlove, Black Thought, Kamal and the rest of the legendary Roots crew are joined by Lupe Fiasco. The Roots' Game Theory and Lupe's Food and Liquor were two of this Bostonist's favorite albums last year. If you got your tickets early enough, you'll see why Lupe is one of the hottest acts around and why the Roots are considered the best live act in hip hop, bar none.
Avalon, $30, 7pm , SOLD OUT
The Roots: website | myspace | wikipedia | In the Music.mp3 (edit) | purchase
Lupe Fiasco: website | myspace | daydreaming feat. Jill Scott.mp3 (clip)

Rodrigo y Gabriela Cancelled
The phenomenal Mexican guitarist duo must be seen (and heard) to be believed (check the YouTube clips below). The duo's new eponymous album, produced by John Leckie (Radiohead, New Order), was released last Fall to rave reviews. If you didn't get Roots tickets, run to the Roxy to catch Rod y Gab (note: gig originally scheduled for Paradise; all tickets honored at Roxy).
Roxy, $20, 8pm
website | myspace | YouTube videos from Letterman & Jools Holland | purchase

Wednesday, 3/14
?uestlove DJ Set at Underbar
Bostonist can't say it any better than his promo did the last time ?uest spun after the Roots' gig last Fall: "So the Roots show sold out in 17 minutes and there you are crying like a little girl over the fact that this year's chance to see ?uestlove has passed you by. Well, wipe those tears off your face 'cause FutureClassic [has] exactly what you need. The one and only ?uestlove will be spinning a blend of hip-hop, rock, funk, 80s, and whatever else he has up his sleeve on Wednesday." Boston's DJ Jayceeoh warms up the decks for ?uest.
Underbar (275 Tremont St), $15 adv / $20 door
?questlove: Roots' website | myspace

Thursday, 3/15
Brian Bromberg All Stars feat. Jeff Lorber & Randy Brecker
Brian Bromberg is one of the most admired jazz bassists around. His latest album, Downright Upright, features his phenomenal work on the upright and sounds in late '60s soul jazz and '70s jazz funk (including swinging covers of Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" and jazz funk masterpiece "Chameleon"). Downright features an all star supporting cast, including pianists George Duke and Jeff Lorber, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonists Gary Meek, Boney James, and Kirk Whalum, and guitarist Lee Ritenour.
Scullers Jazz Club, $28, 8pm and 10pm
website | myspace | Chameleon.mp3 | Cantaloupe Island.mp3 | purchase

The Shins
We ought to remark on how "Garden State" was Zach Braff's carefully calculated plan to make Natalie Portman make out with him, but we liked the movie. Besides, we begrudgingly give ZB credit for creating a mixtape soundtrack that introduced countless kids with indie dreams to The Shins, particularly as newest release Wincing the Night Away is pretty kickass. So instead of snarking on The Braff, we give you The Shins on Segways. (Yes, this is the one reference to The Shins you'll find in which Portman's famous line is not quoted -- as if you haven't learned it by heart).
The Orpheum, 7:30 p.m.
The Shins: Website

Friday 3/16
Thunderdome IV
"Boston's premier post-apocalyptic dance battle" returns. Thunderdome is 4 hours, 2 floors, 2 live acts, multiple DJs, and utter insanity. The fourth installment pits Boston DJs (Daviday, RED FOXX, MICL PTVN) in a battle against Providence (Mahi Mahi, Certified Bananas, Morgan Lewis). Take a disco nap and catch Thunderdome IV.
Elks Lodge, 55 Bishop Allen Rd, Central Square, Cambridge, 21+, 10pm, $7
Thunderdome: myspace
Daviday & sQuare Productions: website

Saturday 3/17
Dropkick Murphys
St. Patrick's Day. Boston. Music. nuff said. Dropkick Murphys play the shit out of this weekend.
Agganis Arena, $27.50
They also play Avalon both Friday and Saturday, also $27.50

The Allstonians
We can hardly believe it. "We are still going. We have two gigs in March." Yeah, The Allstonians are still on the scene and bringing some SKA to the Middle East Upstairs to celebrate Evacuation Day.
Middle East Upstairs, 18+, $10
The Allstonians: website

Sunday 3/18
Maria Taylor
Best known as the brunette half of Azure Ray, Maria Taylor makes confectionary solo records with shiny electronics and vocals spun from raw sugar.
TT the Bear's, 18+, 9pm, $9
Maria Taylor: myspace | Song Beneath The Song video | A Good Start .mp3

Victoria Welch, Matt Durutti and C. Fernsebner contributed to this post