Thursday, November 27, 2014

This week's hot concerts


Kat Dahlia
Friday  9 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St., $10-$12, www.chopshopnoda.com
On her single "Gangsta" the Miami-based, Cuban-American artist comes off as a sassy rapper and a deep folk singer with a touch of Shakira. On the lighter, swagger-heavy single "Crazy" (No. 3 on iTunes’ Latin chart) she’s more Michelle Rodriguez-meets-Nelly-Furtado. Her full range will be revealed when her debut album drops in January.

Groove 8 After Thanksgiving Party
Saturday  5 p.m., Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., $12, www.doubledoorinn.com  
The Charlotte jazz funk octet (whose members have gone on to play with Prince and Fleetwood Mac) celebrates its tenth anniversary with an eclectic concert and potluck that promises surprise guests and new songs. Moonshine Racers, the Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project, New Car Caviar: A Jamgrass tribute to Pink Floyd, Coddle Creek, and the Chemist also play.


Anna Rose
Tuesday  9 p.m., Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., $20, www.eveningmuse.com
With a flowery name, you might expect a demure folkie or Disney princess (her dad is Disney songwriter Alan Menken). But the confident New York rocker is a gritty guitarist and soulful singer slinging funky electric riffs and belting hard rock, blues, and adult pop on her latest album "Behold a Pale Horse." With Howie Day.

French Montana/Jeremih
Wednesday  8 p.m., The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., $33.58, www.livenation.com 
The Kardashian connection has probably done more to make him a household name than his many guest raps ever will, so Moroccan-American rapper French Montana is striking while his name is hot. He headlines the Set It Off Tour with another go-to collaborator, Jeremih. Both are anticipating the release of new albums.

Death (DTA Tours)/Obituary
Thursday  7 p.m., Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave., $22-$25, www.tremontmusichall.com  
The death of founding vocalist Chuck Schuldiner from brain cancer in 2001 put an end to the influential death metal stalwart, but some of the surviving members formed this live tribute to continue his legacy. Death to All teams with fellow sunshine state death metal vets Obituary, who is celebrating its well-received new album "Inked in Blood," Massacre, and Rivers of Nihil.


Valient Thorr
Thursday  8 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St., $10, www.chopshopnoda.com
The globetrotting Carolinians are one of the best bands touring in any genre. It’s still building its audience at home, wowing crowds with over-the-top evangelical metal, squealing guitar solos, rapid fire riffs, and blatant hooks that aren’t afraid of a little cheese. Scowl Brow, the Bleeps, Hungry Girl, Animals and Swell Friends make for a strong bill.


Alexz Johnson
Thursday  9 p.m., Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., $10, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Canadian TV and film star of “Final Destination 3” and “Instant Star” (where she wrote much of the music in addition to starring in the series) raised $50,000 toward her fan-funded new album "Let `Em Eat Cake," which is a darker, bluesier, broader and more polished record than the Brooklyn transplant’s previous work.


Gates
Thursday  9 p.m., The Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd., $8, www.themilestoneclub.com
The New Jersey post-rock combo’s expansive new album "Bloom & Breathe" plays like an emo Explosions in the Sky. Guitar lines climb and intertwine like musical ivy against dynamics-driven, swelling masculine angst, and stop/start tempos. Fans of Charlotte’s defunct HRVRD should take note.