Recommended Music: Shearwater, Eric Hisaw, Squeeze, Fastball, Roger Creager, Bett Butler, James 'Slim' Hand, Matt Keating, Abi Tapia

THURSDAY

Shearwater.Fresh from arena dates as Coldplay's handpicked opener, birdwatcher/keyboardist Jonathan Meiburg and his swallows of majesty come home for a show, most fittingly, at the 'hawk. Reviewers for 'Rook,' Shearwater's latest record on Matador, were no doubt thankful that there are 22 words for 'ethereal' on thesaurus.com. With Wye Oak and Hospital Ships. 9 p.m. Mohawk outside stage, 912 Red River St. 482-8404. — Michael Corcoran

THURSDAY

Eric Hisaw.Two things you may have been meaning to check out: Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe on East Ben White and Eric Hisaw, the singer and picker whose new 'Nature of the Blues' CD sounds like an early True Believers demo, before they knew what they were. Kill two birds with one stone (apologies to Meiburg). 8 p.m. 5001 E. Ben White Blvd., 444-2020. — M.C.

FRIDAY

Squeeze, Fastball.Glenn Tilbrook is still one of the greatest pop singers of our time, and when Chris Difford tags along, he gets to call himself Squeeze. Oh, to hear 'Another Nail in My Heart' live one more time. And Austin's Fastball is no slouch when it comes to serving the Beatles in 'The Way' of modern rock. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8. La Zona Rosa, 612 W. Fourth St. 263-4146. — M.C.

FRIDAY

Roger Creager.This Aggie from Corpus is getting great reviews for his new 'Here It Is' CD, co-produced by Radney Foster and Lloyd Maines. Creager has instincts to rock, but Maines' steel guitar pulls it back to the country. 10 p.m. Midnight Rodeo, 2201 E. Ben White Blvd. 443-2623. — M.C.

SATURDAY

Bett Butler.As made clear on 'When Love Has Left the Room' from the new 'Myths & Fables' CD, this San Antonio singer/pianist is a true artist, if not a great singer. Her forte is creating rich story songs fluttering over a South American/South Philly soundscape we have to call jazz because the right word hasn't been invented. Butler's not-so-typical Chamber Jazz Trio (with Joel Dilley on bass and Cecil Carter on trumpet) will bring a whole new vibe to Eddie V's at 301 E. Fifth St. 8 p.m.-midnight. 472-1860. — M.C.

MONDAY

James 'Slim' Hand.Soon to be seen on an episode of 'Friday Night Lights,' Hand is the best honky tonk singer around because he's not a 'new traditionalist,' but the tradition living on. His next Rounder record is scurrying toward a fall release. 10 p.m. Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave. 441-2444. — M.C.

TUESDAY

Matt Keating.With three albums on the hip California indie label Alias Records in the early '90s, this New Englander of the melancholy ballads and the busker's heart was often compared with Richard Buckner and labelmates American Music Club. Hear what he's been up to lately. Scoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth St. 524-1932. — M.C.

TUESDAY

Abi Tapia.The breezy storyteller in curls should get a career boost with 'Beauty in the Ruin,' the delightful, Chris Gage-produced CD that features some of Austin's best players. This show's the official CD release party; come and get one signed. 8:30 p.m. Cactus Cafe, Texas Union, 24th and Guadalupe streets. 475-6515. — M.C.