Shareef Don't Like It

"Hey, folks, we just flew in from Libya, and, boy, are our arms tired!" Not that San Francisco rockers the Heavenly Statesare corny enough to start a show that way, but they certainly could if they wanted. In an unprecedented example of rock 'n' roll good will, the four-piece set out to tour the embattled nation in January, hoping to be the first American band to play on Lebanese soil. In Libya, of course, Western bands are banned, and the weeklong sojourn had its share of problems. Insane cabbies, constant suspicion, and the Muslim prohibition of alcohol followed them everywhere, and the three public gigs they'd arranged turned into one private party. But they lived to tell the tale and even to take it on tour through the States. Their punk-infused Americana -- think raring guitars, searing violin solos, and hoarse, top-of-the-lungs vocals -- may or may not have rocked the casbah, but there's no question they'll rock Dada.

The Heavenly States and John Ralston play at 10 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Dada, 52 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. The show is free. Call 561-330-3232.