NEON THURSDAY

Hawthorne Heights keeps rock literate and tuneful for a new generation, but don’t expect to see Las Vegas’ own Ne-Yo in the crowd.

A stink erupted last year after someone with Hawthorne’s record label circulated a memo suggesting fans go to record stores and hide copies of Ne-Yo’s disc to damage his sales and advance Hawthorne’s chart position. The band distanced itself from that plan and eventually ended up in litigation with the label.

A crowded bill also features From First to Last, Secondhand Serenade, Brighten and Powerspace. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Tickets are $24; call 632-7600.

MIKE WEATHERFORD