Helmet
The `90s riff rock giant, who regrouped in 2004, returns to
revisit its 1994 fan favorite “Betty” to mark the album’s 20th
anniversary (the tour started in Europe last fall). The band will play the
album, which was praised for its merger of heavy music with jazz and blues, in
its entirety then return for a career-spanning second set.
Manhattan Transfer
Saturday 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St.,
$20-$74.50, www.blumenthalarts.org
The versatile vocal group celebrates its 40th
anniversary, although sadly without founder Tim Hauser who died of cardiac
arrest in October. Trist Curless of the a cappella group m-pact, who covered
for Hauser in 2013 and 2014, helps commemorate its history with hits like “The
Boy From New York City” and “Route 66.”
Eric Roberson/Bilal
Friday and Saturday 8:30 p.m., Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St.,
$29.50-$35/$65 VIP, www.amossouthend.com
The grown and sexy crowd has its choice of live music during
CIAA, but there are two chances to get in on post-game romance with prolific
R&B singer-songwriter/producer Roberson and go-to collaborator Bilal who
sings numerous hooks on others’ songs. Roberson actually attended former CIAA
school Howard University (which now competes in the MEAC conference). With Aaron Camper.
Average White Band
Saturday 8 p.m., Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., $49.50-$89.50,
www.blumenthalarts.org
Founders Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre head up the oft-sampled
Scottish funk band behind R&B and disco hits like “Pick Up the Pieces,”
“Soul Searching,” and “Cut the Cake.” It celebrate its 43rd year
with what it’s calling its Final Funk Affair. A portion of proceeds from the
concert go toward CIAA competitor Virginia State University’s Tuition
Assistance Fund.
Cody Canada & the Departed
On his new album “HippieLovePunk” Cross Canadian Ragweed’s Cody
Canada takes the reins after sharing band leader duties with the now departed
(pun intended) Seth James on two previous albums. The sound is grittier and
bolder and marks a return to his red dirt roots. With Jason Boland & the
Stragglers.
Lights
Between her 2011 breakthrough “Siberia” and her anthemic 2014
return “Little Machines,” the Canadian electro-pop singer-songwriter conquered
severe writer’s block by channeling iconic female musicians like Kate Bush and
Patti Smith in the New Mexico desert and had a daughter with husband Beau Bokan
(BlesstheFall). Both inform “Machines’” uplifting sound.
NoDa F.A.M. Rally Kick Off Party
Thursday 6 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th
St., Free, www.chopshopnoda.com
The seasonal outdoor food truck, art and music event, which takes
place each Thursday, kicks off with seasoned Charlotte Americana band the Loudermilks’
country-rock tales of heartache, acceptance, and growing maturity and
roots-grass musician Josh Daniel (the New Familiars/Mark Schimick).
Dreamers/Born Cages
The up and coming Brooklynite’s hooky alt-pop is what indie
band’s in search of a hit should strive for. It strikes up one infectious
garage rock and Brit-pop inflected track after another on its 2014 debut EP,
which serves as a precursor to summer’s upcoming full-length. With Born Cages
and the Kickback. (Warning: Profanity in chorus).
Jazmine Sullivan
The award winning Philly R&B singer who charmed audiences in
2008 by threatening to “Bust Your Windows” returned last year after a self-imposed
three year hiatus where she drew inspiration for her third album “Reality Show”
by participating in the favored American pastime of watching reality television.
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