This week's hot concerts

Last week was so rich with live music there were a few that fell late in the week and were left off the list, so I've included a few that take place today, June 3, on this week's list.

ZZ Top

8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre, 1000 Seaboard St. $34-$106.25. www.livenation.com

After opening for Tom Petty last September the classic Texas boogie trio is back (led by my favorite “Bones’” dad Billy Gibbons – sorry Ryan O’Neal) as a headliner promising a scorching set of `70s guitar rock, `80s MTV hits and biting blues.

Steel Pulse

8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $23-$25. www.etix.com

The veteran reggae band that rose to prominence alongside its countrymen of the late `70s British punk movement remain a vital touring act 36 years into its history with founding vocalist/songwriter David Hinds still at the helm.

Janiva Magness

10:30 p.m. Thursday, June 3, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $15-$17. 704-376-3737.

The second female to receive the Blues Music Awards B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award (in 2009) delivers her signature raspy, soulful vocals and feisty delivery on her latest album “The Devil is an Angel Too.” (She was also one of the last artists to tour with Charlotte’s own queen of blues Robin Rogers in Norway last summer and cover Rogers’ “The Plan” in the above video.)

Raekwon

9 p.m. Saturday, June 4, Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon. $22-$25. www.etix.com

The latest disc from the Wu-Tang family, “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang,” finds the influential Chef still a subtle vocalist with meaty, yet restrained rhymes that often bridge classic Asian themes and modern studio trickery.

Brian McGee - Southwind from Live & Breathing on Vimeo.

Brian McGee

9 p.m. Saturday, June 4 , Common Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave. Free. 704-332-7782.

The product of Pennsylvania punk bands has absorbed the rural South living in Asheville where he makes raw, acoustic tunes indicative of his adopted surroundings. With PJ Bond, Neil Mauney, and standup comedian the Elder Statesmen.

Ryan Bingham

7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. $20-$23. www.etix.com

On his latest T-Bone Burnett produced album, “Junky Star,” the Oscar winning singer-songwriter (for his contribution to “Crazy Heart”) doesn’t let the promise of Nashville fame alter his gravely vocals, raw production, and dirty, twangy guitar.

Those Darlins

8 p.m. Thursday, June 9, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $8-$10. www.etix.com

These Nashville honeys (and male drummer) mix down home roots music with girl group charm, punk attitude and humor on songs like “Be Your Bro,” “Bumd” and “Fatty Needs a Fix” from its impressive and fun second album “Screws Get Loose.”

Plain Jane Automobile/The Catch Fire

7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $5-$7. 704-358-9200.

Up and coming opener PJA is a great live rock unit out of Florida promoting its new disc “Your Tomorrow” (for fans of U2, Ours). The Catch Fire features Mike Mitschele (Jolene, Alternative Champs) and singer-songwriter Jon Lindsay. Sandwiched between these two is Florida’s the Colourslide and Onna.