Thursday, September 12, 2013

This week's hot concerts

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
7 p.m. Friday, September 13, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $7/Ladies Free. www.snugrock.com
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
4 p.m. Saturday, September 14, Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. $15-$20. www.chopshopnoda.com
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
9 p.m. Saturday, September 14, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $10. www.tremontmusichall.com
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
8:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $22-$25. www.visulite.com
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.