This week's hot concerts

Talib Kweli

8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $20. www.etix.com

The critically acclaimed underground rapper reflects on beauty in blight on his fan-pleasing new album, “Gutter Rainbows,” which showcases his sentimental side and lyrical flow without sacrificing edge.

On the Run

7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $8. 704-358-9200.

The Chicago band relocated to co-founder Tyler Imbrey’s hometown of Charlotte last winter and recast most of its players. It debuts new material and its 7^th saxophonist to an (adopted) hometown crowd.

Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s

7 p.m. Sunday, May 8, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $12-$14. www.etix.com

This Indianapolis collective is drumming up support for its next album via www.pledgemusic.com (with incentives), which presumably will result in more of the dreamy melodic, poetic folk-rock that’s the indie band is known for.

Third Eye Blind

7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $27-$30. 704-358-9298.

Still fronted by late `90s pop heartthrob Stephan Jenkins, the rock outfit responsible for inescapable hits “Semi-Charmed Life” and “How’s It Going To Be” return for another intimate NoDa show.

Hank & Cupcakes

8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $10-$12. www.etix.com

The Brooklyn-based Israeli/Australian couple approaches dance-rock with the vocal prowess of a soul singer and the musical makeup of arty-cool party starters – think the Gossip meets Adele meets Matt & Kim .

Uh Huh Her

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $13-$15. 704-358-9200.

“The L Word” actress and former Murmurs member Leisha Hailey makes up one half of this duo that juggle quiet ballads with electro-dance. One of its songs was featured in “The Kids are Alright” and its upcoming full-length was produced by the Revolution’s (as in Prince’s) Wendy Melvoin.

My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult

8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $14-$16. www.etix.com

The industrial outfit stirs up memories on the Sinister Whisperz tour digging out gems like “A Daisy Chain 4 Satan” "Shock of Point 6," and “Kooler than Jesus” from its first three releases to celebrate its recent retrospective disc.

Jim Bianco

8 p.m. Thursday, May 12, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $8-$10. 704-376-3737.

With his husky, soulful vocals and smart writing the L.A. songwriter combines bits of Springsteen, Billy Joel, Elvis Costello and Social Distortion’s Mike Ness and is drawing accolades from publications such as "The Huggington Post" and from star tweeters like Pink for his new album “Loudmouth.”