K Records honcho Calvin Johnson was instrumental in putting Washington State on the do-it-yourself map with his founding of K Records back in 1982 and his pioneering punk bands Beat Happening, the Go Team, and Dub Narcotic Sound System. Lately, though, besides the occasional collaboration or guest appearance, Johnson has mostly been flying solo, recording and performing introspective singer-songwriter material.

Even without a band, it's hard to deny Johnson's charm—his gloomy croon, thick and heavy with love and loss, booming over his nylon-stringed acoustic guitar. Between songs, Johnson banters about quirky matters like his new pair of glasses or his travel to the show, all with the ease of a veteran entertainer. But after a few acoustic numbers, one begins to long for the upbeat vibes of his previous projects.

So it's great to hear that Johnson has been performing his newest material with a full band, the Hive Dwellers, who make their Seattle debut this Friday, May 29, at the Vera Project. The band is touring, and shares members, with Chain & the Gang. The thought of seeing Johnson back in front of a full rock-and-roll band is thrilling, making this show a can't-miss.

Fri May 29: Chain and the Gang, the Hive Dwellers, Wallpaper at the Vera Project, 7:30 pm, $9 ($8 with club card)

Fri May 29: Heir to the Throne, Cornerstone, We Move Mountains, To Paint the Sky at the Old Fire House, 8 pm, $6

Fri May 29: Navigator vs. Navigator, Thousands, the Unit Breed, Anchors, Analog Destroyer at Ground Zero, 7 pm, $6/$5 with can of food

Sat May 30: Thee Emergency at Full Tilt Ice Cream, 8 pm, free

Mon June 1: World History, Twig Palace at Arctic Circle, 8 pm, donation