Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers + Soft Black + She Keeps Bees

Shilpa Ray now seems like a grizzled veteran at age 30. But it was only four years ago that the surly local songwriter stood poised at the edge of indie stardom, a hope dashed when her band Beat the Devil flamed out. Though abetted by a new trio, Ray is still honing a scathingly sardonic punk-cabaret approach, unveiled on the brand-new solo debut album Teenage and Torture. Opening up is local roots-rock band Soft Black and the folkish She Keeps Bees.