Concert season heating up with more recent show announcements

With recent announcements that Madonna (whose tickets go on sale this weekend) and Iron Maiden would be coming to the Queen's City for the first time in - at least one case - ever, the rest of the concert season seems to be shaping up bringing in artists who have either never played here or haven't in quite a while. These include two of my all-time favorites.

Swedish dance pop sensation Robyn, who finally began to make mainstream waves in the US in 2011 with an appearance at Bonnaroo, "Saturday Night Live" (pictured on the NBC show in December above) and opening Katy Perry's US Tour, announced on Twitter that she'll be opening for Coldplay on some of its US tour dates including Charlotte.

After an April 2008 show at McGlohon Theatre with his wife Allison Moorer and a DJ that brought me and at least a few other audience members to tears, folk-rock singer-songwriter Steve Earle (pictured) returns to The Neighborhood Theatre May 2 with his band the Dukes (and Duchesses). The show will also feature Moorer, whose voice is truly something to behold live.

Neighborhood Theatre continues booking cutting edge electronic acts with Beats Antique May 5.

Rising, critically-acclaimed soul throwback Mayer Hawthorne, whose show last September at Amos' was cancelled, makes his first Charlotte appearance with his band the County May 12 at Neighborhood Theatre.

Chris Thomas King, the blues musician featured in the Coen Brothers' "O'Brother, Where Art Thou?" plays Evening Muse March 23.

Charlotte-based Christian rock musician John Mark McMillian plays a hometown show at McGlohon Theatre with Songs of Water March 24. David Wilcox plays McGlohon April 14.

John Wesley Harding makes a rare Charlotte appearance March 31 at the Double Door. Funk/soul/rock singer-songwriter Van Hunt (pictured below) returns to the Double Door April 5 (his fall show there was one of my favorites of last year). Leftover Salmon plays the legendary Charlotte blues spot April 18.

The Visulite previously announced Joan Osborne will appear there April 10 and teen "Gossip Girl" actress  Taylor Momsen brings her band the Pretty Reckless to the Elizabeth Avenue venue with Parlor Mob April 19. Casey Weston, from NBC's "The Voice" will appear at the club April 21.

Spindrift, an indie band that creates cinematic psychedelic music fit to score old westerns, returns to Tremont Music Hall May 6. Powerman 5000 celebrates its 20th anniversary at Tremont October 3.

As for larger venues Tyrese and Chrisette Michelle play Ovens Auditorium March 24. Candlebox will play The Fillmore April 13. Seether is there April 17. Grammy winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding returns to Knight Theatre May 10. LMFAO brings the party to Bojangles' Coliseum June 19 and boy band Big Time Rush headlines Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre August 29.


There's plenty more going on in Charlotte. These were just some of the recent concert announcements that caught my eye. Check venue websites for updates show listings.