Asher Poindexter, senior sociology major, is up against a lot of competition this week.

Cannabis Revival, two bluegrass festivals and Raycliff Manor’s first Screamfest are in the running for weekend activities, but Poindexter is sure he can draw a crowd with Me Like Bees. The band began advertising the show at the last Third Thursday Art Walk.

“At Third Thursday last week, we handed out free cds of ours and wrapped them in the flier for the show, asking people to give it a listen and come out if they like it,” Poindexter said. “Me Like Bees draws influence from Arcade Fire, The White Stripes and Modest Mouse,” Poindexter said. “We sort of collectively write the songs together as well to make it more interesting.”

Me Like Bees is not Poindexter’s first music act in Joplin. He is known in the area for his self titled solo project, which has a completely separate sound from Me Like Bees.

“There’s a huge contrast because, a. when I’m solo it’s just me and an acoustic guitar and then I play the stomp box and the tambourine with my feet,” he said. “Also the style of music is sort of folk music and primitive acoustic. The band is definitely a rock band and we use a lot of different tones with the pedals and try and try and have unique lyrical content.”

Poindexter is also quick to credit Luke Sheafer for Me Like Bees’ lyrical content.

“Mainly sort of living in today’s society and trying to be content with what you’re doing,” he said. “He graduated from [Southern] with a marketing degree about a year ago and has been staying in the area to pursue music, so some of the lyrics are a reflection of that sort of lifestyle. Some of them are abstract stories.”

Me Like Bees will perform with regional rock band Benjamin Del Shreve beginning at 9:30 on Saturday at Blackthorn Pizza and Pub. Entry fee is $5.