This week's hot concerts

Sugarland/Dave Stewart

7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 707 Pavilion Blvd. $40.75-$79.25. www.livenation.com

The chart topping Atlanta duo kicks off the summer concert season with its blend of twangy country, rootsy pop, rock, and even a little reggae. With Dave Stewart (of the Eurythmics) and Canaan Smith open.

Alan Evans Trio/Groove 8

10 p.m. Saturday, April 28, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $10. 704-376-1446.

The Soulive drummer leads his latest project - a `70s organ trio and jazz-funk throwback with guitarist Danny Mayer (On the Spot) and organist Beau Sasser. Charlotte’s Groove 8, who worked with Evans on its last album, is readying a new one, “Curious Poses,” for summer release.

Hope for AGoldenSummer

9 p.m. Saturday, April 28, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5. 704-333-9799.

The Athens trio showcases the sweet sisterly harmonies of Page and Claire Campbell, which float on dreamy chamber folk arrangements and stir the soul with raw, gospel-tinged a cappella. Jason Herring & the Mystery Plan and Melissa Burgher also play.

Lee Brice

 11 p.m. Saturday, April 28, Coyote Joe’s, 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. $12-$15. www.etix.com

After over a decade in Nashville the Sumter, SC-native finally has a number one hit (after writing others for Eli Young Band and Garth Brooks) and a brand new album, “Hard 2 Love,” that’s brimming with potential chart toppers.

Steve Earle & the Dukes

8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^th St. $25/VIP $40. 704-358-9298.

With the Dukes and Duchesses (which includes his wife Allison Moorer, whose live voice is a beautiful force), the outspoken country-rock songwriter makes a long awaited return. The Mastersons open.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears

8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, Visulite, 1615 Elzabeth Ave. $12-$15. 704-358-9200.

After opening for Flogging Molly at The Fillmore, Lewis and his crack band returns for a headlining set that promises more of the fire and energy the soul-rock throwback has built its reputation on.

Rise Against

7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $38-$50. www.livenation.com

The politically active rock band makes post-modern anthems in the tradition of inspiring, motivational punk. And while its ticket prices don’t scream punk, the group puts its money where its mouth (and music) is backing countless causes.

Peter Karp & Sue Foley

9 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $12-$14. 704-376-1446.

The blues duo tackles life in a crashing economy with all the brush-yourself-off positivity they can muster with Foley delivering raspy lines like Annie Potts’ “Pretty in Pink” character leading a rock band.