Thursday, April 4, 2013

This week's hot concerts


Jorge Celedon
9 p.m. Friday, April 5, Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $47. www.livenation.com
The Latin Grammy winner (and former member of the group Binomio de Oro de America) plays Colombian folk known as Vallenato - a cousin of Cumbia marked by expressive accordion runs, traditiona. caja drum and guacharaca (a ribbed wooden instrument), and - in Celedon’s case - soulful, romantic vocals.

The Mantras
9:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. $12. www.chopshopnoda.com
On its new album, “Jam Bands Ruined My Life,” the Carolina combo comes out swinging with meaty guitars, bouncy organ, and funky rhythms that swirl together through lyrical playing that tells a vibrant, theatrical story - almost musical theater style - and pounces with personality.

Kenny Roby
10 p.m. Friday, April 5, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $5. www.snugrock.com
The Raleigh-based songwriter (formerly of late `90s roots outfit 6 String Drag) releases his first album in six years, “Memories & Birds,”  - a deep and dreamy song cycle that finds him approaching songs like dark, detailed literature. Temperance League’s Shawn Lynch and David Kim, whose band opens the show, help out on the new record.

The Shack Band
10 p.m. Friday, April 5, Double Door, 1218 Charlottetown Ave. $7. 704-376-1446.
Originally scheduled to play in late January but cancelled due to weather, this Richmond-based outfit features Myers Park grad Andrew Gillespie and is becoming a staple on the festival circuit with its infectious energy, Southern organ and guitar-fueled sing-alongs, and bright harmonies.

Ben Rector
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Amos’ 1423. S. Tryon St. $15-$18. www.etix.com
The Nashville-based pop singer-songwriter embarks on his “Rectour” in anticipation of his upcoming album (tentatively set for summer). He’ll be debuting a handful of new tracks as well as old fan favorites.

Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line
8 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $12. 704-376-3737.
This former English teacher breathes new life into fiddle and banjo-centered bluegrass and folk while remaining firmly footed in tradition on her new album “Carnival” (out April 16).  She creates the kind of vintage storytelling it’s easy to get attached to.

Jon Lindsay
8 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $7. www.petraspianobar.com
The Charlotte pop singer-songwriter premieres material from his two upcoming albums before heading to NYC to do the same. He’s joined by Machine Theatre, who’ll present a “surrealist cabaret” called Two Tampones, and comedian Raf Taylor.

Hugh Masekela
7 p.m. Sunday, April 7, McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. $24.50-$44.50. 704-372-1000.
The 73-year-old South African jazz trumpeter makes a rare Charlotte tour stop celebrating a recent collection of wedding songs from his youth. In recent years the Grammy winner has played with U2, scored Mandela’s post-prison tour, and kicked off the South African World Cup. 

HRVRD
7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $8-$10. www.ticketfly.com
The Charlotte experimental rock band returns after a national tour and stop at South By Southwest to celebrate its recent Equal Vision Records’ debut. The show is also its last with longtime drummer Tim Cossor, who hasn’t toured since November.

Diana Krall
8 p.m. Sunday, April 7, Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. $50.10-$143.25. www.ticketmaster.com
The Grammy winning jazz vocalist/keyboardist is at her most playful and sexy (check out the album cover) on her latest, “Glad Rag Doll.” Her concert picks up on the Ziegfeld Follies style ambiance visually as well with silent films and sets that - like her album - bridge early jazz with modern day.