This week's hot concerts

Pat McGee/Matt Perrone

8 p.m. Friday, April 13, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $15. 704-358-9200.

The acoustic rock act goes deeper, more personal, and further into his country roots on his latest album. Charlotte transplant, Perrone, who recently released his latest record, celebrates his 10^th anniversary as a singer-writer with an opening set.

Cage the Elephant

8 p.m. Friday, April 13, Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St. $21-$24. www.etix.com

The quirky alt-rockers are even harder to pin down on the funky sophomore effort, “Thank You Happy Birthday,” which references the Pixies, Butthole Surfers, and surf guitar while still steering toward that hard-to-categorize territory populated by bands like Cake and Violent Femmes. The Kentucky act helps the SouthEnd venue celebrate its 21^st anniversary with Fusebox Poet and Bad Cop. 

Easton Corbin

11 p.m. Friday, April 13, Coyote Joe’s, 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. $18. www.etix.com

With the release date of his sophomore album approaching the former Florida farm boy, who lived the small town simplicity that comes across on his traditional-leaning country songs, has another single - “Lovin’ You Is Fun” - climbing the country singles chart.

Jason Michael Carroll

8 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St. $17-$20. www.etix.com

The Eastern NC country singer-songwriter enjoyed success in Nashville with the 2007 singles “Livin’ Our Love Song” and “Alyssa Lies.” The father-of-four’s latest release, “Numbers,” is sold exclusively by his old employer - Cracker Barrel (he once waited tables at the Henderson, NC location). With singer-songwriter Early Ray (aka Rayen Belchere with backing band).

Devin the Dude

8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, Chop Shop, 399 E. 35^th St. $12-$15. 704-765-2467.

With a relaxed flow and Southern delivery, the critically acclaimed stoner rapper laces his rhymes with humor that’s long made the Houston emcee an underground sensation and favorite of his peers. His “Seriously Tripping” tour includes appearances by Coughee Brothaz Clan, Destined, and is hosted by Fort Knox.

Leftover Salmon

8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $25. 704-358-9200.

After a long studio hiatus (eight years!), this jamgrass favorite returns with a 29-year-old banjo star (Andy Thorn) and “Aquatic Hitchhikers” - its first album in eight years - which consists of entirely original material (out May 22).

Yelawolf

7 p.m.Thursday, April 19, Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St. $16-$18. www.etix.com

The Alabama rapper is one of hip-hop’s most interesting and versatile up-and-comers. He’s signed with Eminem’s Shady Records and his single features Kid Rock. He draws comparisons to the former while maintaining a unique style and mining his poor, transient, sometimes unstable upbringing for lyrical fodder.

Alexis Marceau & the Samurai

8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $TBA. 704-376-3737.

This New Orleans indie folk-pop duo make a lot of beautiful noise for a sparse acoustic act thanks in large part to Marceau’s big, vibrant vocals and emotional range. Marceau, whose second album “Orange Moon” is populated with hometown guests, has been seen on HBO’s “Treme.”

Pretty Reckless

8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $15-$17/$40 VIP. www.carolinatix.org

Former “Gossip Girl” starlet Taylor Momsen (who played Cindy Lou Who as a child) is now 19 and fronting a tough riff-heavy rock band that comes across as a mix of the White Stripes, the Runaways, and much missed`90’s alt-rock singer Poe.

Vanity Theft

8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $7-$9. www.etix.com

This Ohio female trio trades in guitar hooks and flirty delivery like a more polished Donnas crossed with Tegan and Sarah, but synthesizers and a penchant for dance music (more electro than dance punk) reveals a layer of Depeche Mode/Duran Duran love.