Butch Walker
The pop producer/songwriter and former Marvelous 3 guitarist has
written or co-written numerous hits for acts like Avril Lavigne, All Time Low,
Fall Out Boy, and Pink, but on solo albums like 2015’s “Afraid of Ghosts” he
tempers those pop tendencies with a rootsy rural folk feel that connects to his
youth growing up in Georgia. With Jonathan Tyler.
Caleb Johnson
The 24 year old Asheville-based “American Idol” season 13 winner,
who quickly released his post “Idol” debut “Testify” last summer, announced
this week that he’s leaving Interscope Records after disappointing sales. The
bluesier rocker, who is one of many Carolinian “Idol” grad, is looking at
Nashville for his next project.
Caleb de Casper
Through his theatrical piano pop, danceable rock, and outrageous performances,
the local glam-goth rocker is like a male Amanda Palmer combining horror (he’s
been known to incorporate animal organs on stage) and LGBT-friendly imagery
(his new video for “Monster Love”) - two things that rarely mesh outside of
bondage parties.
NeedtoBreathe/Colony House
The Clemson area band spent the last decade climbing from tiny
clubs to headlining major venues with its version of polished Southern-steeped arena
rock (think U2-meets-Kings of Leon). It makes three Carolina stops with
Franklin, Tennessee indie rock trio, Colony House who is currently enjoying its
own climb from clubs to prime opening spots.
Mingo Fishtrap
The eight mean outfit is the latest to tap retro soul for
inspiration, populating its jazzy funk grooves with bouncing horns, colorful
percussion, gritty bass, and Roger Blevins’ Jr.’s hearty voice that screams
Memphis or New Orleans. Surprisingly the band calls Austin home.
Ciara
“I Bet” - the first single from the Grammy winning R&B
singer’s just-released sixth studio album, “Jackie” - may more than hint at raw
emotions following last year’s breakup with baby daddy Future, but don’t expect
anything too revealing as the sultry singer is in the midst of her first
headlining tour in six years.
Primal Scream
Kings of reinvention from its early place in the UK’s `90s rave
scene to later segues into psychedelic, garage, and dance music, the prolific
Scots remain delightfully fun and inventive 30-plus years into its existence.
The group, whose latest “More Light” melds all those styles, makes a very rare
Charlotte appearance.
Lost Lander
Portlandia comes East via this smarty indie-pop unit, whose
latest album “Medallion” may focus on life, death and the struggles and
acceptance in between but balances its emotions with synth-pop perkiness
reminiscent of early Killers. Southern singer-songwriter Sam Burchfield shares
the bill.
Ani Difranco
Thursday 8 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th
St., $35-$50, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The feminist folkie returns to NoDa following the November 2014
release of her latest album, “Allergic to Water,” which she recorded and mixed
at home in New Orleans before and after the birth of her son. Her twentieth
album was recorded with her live band and guests like Ivan Neville. Eccentric
one man band, That 1 Guy, opens the show.