Roy Ayers
7 p.m. Friday, September 13, Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon
St. $30-$59.50. www.carolinetix.com
From “Coffy” to house music, the veteran jazz, funk and
R&B vibraphonist has always maintained a connection to cool. The oft
sampled Ayers is credited as igniting the neo-soul movement and, at 72, continues to
work with much younger R&B and hip-hop artists, many of whom have sampled his work.
BOR
Tour with Dubsmith and others
The
Philly dub pioneer heads up a showcase for Banner Elk-based Boom One Records,
which features reggae, dub, bass, and electronic artists from around the globe.
Friday’s lineup includes Jersey’s B. Davis, Japan’s Hai Tokyo, Chicago’s Higher
Ground Movement, NC’s Hope Massive, Bum’s Lie, Boom One Sound System
and a cast of guest vocalists.
God
Save the Queen City 3
The
third annual festival boasts Futurebirds, Jessica Lea Mayfield, St. Paul &
the Broken Bones, Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires, White Violet and Hiss
Golden Messenger and a killer lineup of local bands. If you dig Americana, old
school soul, psychedelic folk and rock n’ roll or need a primer on local music,
this is a fine place to start.
Radok
Fest
The
third annual festival honoring slain former “Creative Loafing” photographer
Chris Radok, who was murdered by an intruder in January 2011, features Hated:
The G.G. Allin tribute, Saurosiman Alchemy, and Semi-Pro, who are one of two
groups reunited especially for this tribute. The show marks the opening
of Radok’s concert photography on Tremont’s walls.
Ben
Harper & Charlie Musselwhite
7:30
p.m. Sunday, September 15, The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $52.50. www.livenation.com
On
his latest collaboration eclectic songwriter and guitarist Ben Harper recruits
the legendary blues harmonica player for a journey through the many shades of
blues from funk and gospel to rock and soul. It also marks what Harper thinks
may be his first headlining show in Charlotte.
Christian
Death
9
p.m. Sunday, September 15, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $15. 704-343-9494.
Before
there were multiple touring Black Flags and Motown groups sharing one name,
provocative goths Christian Death were confusing fans with two touring and
recording versions from the late `80s until founder Rozz Williams’ 1998
suicide. Guitarist Valor Kand continues to captain his version of the
34-year-old band.
J.
Cole/Wale
7:30
p.m. Tuesday, September 17. Halton Arena at UNCC, 9201 University City Blvd.
704-687-4949.
Fayetteville’s
favorite son follows June’s groundbreaking Dollar & Dream Tour ($1 tickets,
day-of venue announcements) and 10 recent BET Hip-Hop Award nominations by
teaming with D.C.’s subtler, go-go-influenced emcee Wale - a good match for two
oft compared rappers.
North
Mississippi Allstars
The
prolific Dickinson brothers have such deep connections to so many facets of
American music, it’s no wonder their ambitious, all-star new album is called
“World Boogie is Coming.” That might be a fitting description for their
cohesive, but funky, Southern kitchen-sink style of blues-rock.
Queens
of the Stone Age
8
p.m. Thursday, September 19, Uptown Amphitheatre, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
$34-$62.50. www.ticketmaster.com
The
most mainstream of desert stoner rockers has reached an arguable career peak
with the new album “…Like Clockwork” widely being considered a career best,
epic comeback, and one of 2013's top albums. Agree or not, their first Charlotte show
in over a decade should quake with fuzz and distortion.
JP Soars
9 p.m. Thursday, September 19, Double Door. 1218
Charlottetown Ave. $10-$12. www.doubledoorinn.com
The hopping award winning blues guitarist and cigar box
guitar builder is a favorite of Little Steven’s Underground Garage for his
meaty, funky playing and demonstrative vocals. His latest collaboration with
Damon Fowler and Victor Wainwright - Southern Hospitality - has received raves.