Surprisingly Good

Unlike the Jonas Brothers — the Disneyfied boy band headlining tonight at the Sprint Center — opening act Rooney actually has some cool cred. Like, did you know that singer Robert Schwartzman, who writes all of the band’s songs, is the brother of it-boy Jason Schwartzman? Robert was also buddy-buddy with Johnny Ramone, which is how his melodic pop band nabbed a spot on the 2003 Ramones tribute compilation, We’re a Happy Family, alongside the rougher likes of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. But connections take you only so far. Rooney is verifiably cool because the California quintet makes good pop songs that you won’t feel bad about singing as you walk out of the Sprint Center. Try saying that about the Jonas Brothers. Tickets cost $39.50 to $49.50. Call 816-949-7050.

Sun., Feb. 24, 2008