The Top 10 Live is a collaborative effort between Indy.com and Indianapolismusic.net

1. Film School w/ We Are Hex

9 p.m. July 16, Locals Only, 2449 E. 56th St., (317) 255-4013.

Indy-based Web site My Old Kentucky Blog has been exposing the world to up-and-coming indie bands since 2005. The site also has brought to town many of the artists it has featured. This mid-week, MOKB-sponsored show features Film School, a California-based band known for its dream pop sound. Its shimmery guitar and reverb-laden vocals are reminiscent of acts like Joy Division and My Bloody Valentine.

2. Action Strasse CD release show w/ We Are Hex

9 p.m. July 12, $7, Spin Nightclub, 6308 Guilford Ave., (317) 257-0000.

It didn't take long for Action Strasse to win the attention of Indy's music fans. The group features an all-star lineup of local rockers including Vess Ruhtenberg (Zero Boys, United States 3, The Pieces, Lemonheads), John Zeps (Acid Green, Burn It Down, Majhas) and Zeps' Majhas bandmates Tony Reitz and Tommy Roosa. The foursome celebrate their first CD with a performance featuring their upbeat indie pop sound.

3. Tift Merritt w/ Cameron McGill & What Army

9 p.m. July 11, $14, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St. (317) 955-0995.

Merritt burst into the public eye in 2002 with her album "Bramble Rose," a collection that won high praise from Time magazine and The Times of London. Along the way, she has paired up with musical heavy hitters like Emmylou Harris and The Heartbreakers' Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell. She tours in support of her 2008 record, "Another Country."

4. The Cocaine Wolves, Stealing Volume, King Deuce

10 p.m. July 11, $5, Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707.

Don't forget your earplugs for this show -- all three acts love to crank their amps to 11. The Cocaine Wolves, Stealing Volume and King Deuce each come with a pedigree that reads like a who's who of Indy's local music scene. Members of bands like the Slurs, the Retreads, Majhas, the Common, State, Dirty Little Secrets and Nowhere Good Fast have landed in these three bands.

5. Miranda Sound, Welcome to Ashley, Avero

9:30 p.m. July 11, $6, Sam's Saloon, 1640 E. Prospect St.

Columbus, Ohio, natives Miranda Sound have become adopted sons of the Indy music scene, thanks to their frequent visits here. The foursome won fans with their soaring vocal harmonies over music built around emotional swells. This will be the group's final visit to Indy, as members are parting in August, but not before releasing their final CD. Their self-titled swan song came out in June.

6. Grampall Jookabox, Pravada, Castanets

9:30 p.m. July 11, $5 recommended donation, Big Car Gallery, 1043 Virginia Ave., Suite 215, (317) 450-6630.

The Independence Day holiday delayed the monthly First Friday event in Fountain Square for a week. The wait will be worth it, though, as Big Car Gallery opens a new exhibit accompanied by a powerhouse music lineup. Grampall Jookabox combines experimental sounds with rootsy songwriting to produce what's billed as "jungle folk." Pravada brings a warm indie rock sound, while the Castanets visit from New York to deliver "avant country."

7. Del McCoury Band

9 p.m. July 12, $18, Bluebird, 216 N. Walnut St., Bloomington, (812) 336-3984.

The chance to see one of the world's most renowned bluegrass musicians seems good enough reason to head to Southern Indiana. Guitarist Del McCoury got his start as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys in the '60s and moved on to a solo career later that decade. His music continues to earn fans in high places, including jam bands like Phish and String Cheese Incident.

8. Latino Celebration featuring Orquesta Bravo!

1 p.m. July 12, free, White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.

Downtown Indy's finest greenspace will be filled with Latin rhythms this weekend. Part of the park's Free Family Arts Series, the outdoor show features Orquesta Bravo!, the city's best-known salsa group, along with the Stacie Sandoval Tropical Jazztet. Picnics are encouraged for this family-friendly event.

9. April Combs w/ Brandon Whyde & Christian Taylor

10 p.m. July 11, free, Upper Room (at the Broad Ripple Steakhouse), 929 E. Westfield Blvd., (317) 253-8101.

Fans of the Indiana music scene of the '80s and '90s are sure to remember April Combs. She and her band Arson Garden were one of Indiana's key exports to the college rock and alternative sound of that era. Combs' free acoustic show will benefit Second Helpings; attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food in lieu of a cover charge.

10. Form30 w/ DJs Sarah Vain and Zlaya

9 p.m. July 12, Radio Radio, $3, 1119 E. Prospect. St. (317) 955-0995.

Finishing an album can play havoc with a band's performance schedule. Local electronic/industrial act Form30 is among the acts that has been missing from the stage lately due to work on an almost-finished recording. In the meantime, they're breaking their hiatus from live shows with an appearance at Radio Radio. DJs Sarah Vain and Zlaya will set the mood.