John Mellencamp/Carlene Carter
Friday
7:30 p.m., Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., $40.50-$117.50,
www.ticketmaster.com
The Heartland rocker explores his Americana roots on The Plain
Spoken Tour (named for his 2014 album). He touches on songs from the musical he
wrote with Stephen King “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” with the help of opener Carlene Carter, but
by the end he’s “R.O.C.K.”-ing many of his expected hits.
Asleep at the Wheel
Forty-five years into its career, the veteran Western swing band
is still honoring forefather Bob Wills - this time with another all-star
collection. “Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas
Playboys” features guests like Elizabeth Cook, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, and
the Avett Brothers.
Martin Sexton
The veteran singer-songwriter taps into the true idea behind an
old school mix tape on his appropriately titled “Mixtape for the Open Road,”
shifting from bare bones old time folk to heartfelt R&B to bluesy soul
within the first three songs, illustrating his ability to channel Guy Clark and
the Neville Brothers.
Rittz/Kxng Crooked
On their South West Kings Tour the lightning-tongued Atlanta
rapper and the Long Beach Slaughterhouse emcee formerly known as Crooked are
touring behind new projects. Ginger emcee Rittz returned in September with “Next
to Nothing;” Crooked released the “Sex, Money & Hip-Hop” mixtape in
December.
Rhiannon Giddens
Wednesay 7:30 p.m., McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College
St., $25-$35, www.blumenthalarts.org
The Carolina Chocolate Drops’ founder teamed with T-Bone Burnett
on her first solo album, “Tomorrow is My Turn,” on which she interprets work by
influential female artists in country, folk, blues, and gospel, often casting
them in a new light with fresh arrangements and a soulful voice that sometimes makes
you forget the original.
Chuck Prophet
Prophet may be the greatest California folky pop-rock songwriter that
you haven’t heard of. Striking in similar territory to John Doe and Tom Petty
with a knack for classic boogieing rock n’ roll, he continues to put out one
quality collection after another on NC’s Yep Roc label. His latest is 2014’s
“Night Surfer.” Jeffrey Dean Foster, whose new album is produced by Carolinians
Don Dixon and Mitch Easter, opens the show.
Death of Paris
The hardworking Columbia combo, which has evolved from an
impressive dream pop outfit to a more widely accessible pop-rock
powerhouse, plays the final night of its
tour on the way home from SXSW. Echoing Paramore, the female-fronted act make
the sonic equivalent to hard candy - snappy, sweet, colorful and irresistible.
Andy the Doorbum
Wednesday 10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., Free,
www.snugrock.com
Musician, visual and performance artist Andy Fenstermaker kicks
off a busy month for his Alien Native Movement’s arts takeover of Charlotte.
The weekly live music residency begins with a ceremonial burning symbolizing a
fresh start and each week the premier of a new performance and guests artists.
He’s also curated the art show next door at Twenty-Two.
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