7 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week

On the heels of his new album, “My Spirit Sister,” the critically acclaimed, Utah-based singer-songwriter returns to the road, leaving behind the family he sings about on new songs like “Millie” (about having a second child, a daughter). “Millie” leads off an album that – like his other five – remains true to James’ originality and musical eccentricities, which aren’t always easy to come by in the world of folk-rock.

The Grammy-winning outfit behind inescapable ’90s hits like “Run-Around” and “Hook” headlines this year’s Moo and Brew Festival, a craft beer and burger-sampling fest that doubles as a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank and the Heartbright Foundation. Ancient Cities opens the show at 1:15 (only VIPs are admitted entrance until 2 p.m.). Of Good Nature starts at 2:30, with the headliner following at 4:15 p.m.

The duo of Erika Stahl and vocalist Ryan Flaherty make up this Portland, Maine pairing that mines a vintage sound. It mixes rockabilly, old-time R&B, and ’50s rock n’ roll with hints of shuffling roots country. Its raw, homegrown sound fits somewhere between retro-minded JD McPherson (who channels Elvis and Buddy Holly) and the similarly sparse approach of another Americana duo, Shovels & Rope.

Long before the worlds of jam and electronic music collided, this progressive five-piece was fusing rock improv and rave culture with a spectacular light show. It stops on its way to play New Orleans’ Jazz Fest next weekend. The innovative jam stalwart’s “Get Loud Tour” promises a fluid, electro-infused jam-rock workout and its always buzzed-about light show.

This New York duo’s debut full-length, “Swear I’m Good At This,” captures the plight of coming of age in a social media-obsessed generation, but vocalist/guitarist Alex Luciano’s perspective isn’t that of the daffy millennials adults complain about. Her songs reveal a wise, brazen, vulnerable young woman that’s not always cool with the inanity around her. Opening acts Daddy Issues and Alright give off similar girl-power vibes. Diet Cig also plays Lunchbox Records at 3 p.m. Saturday for Record Store Day.

The Pennsylvania quintet tones down its heavier post-hardcore tendencies to reveal a softer yet still-expansive sound on its third album, “Light We Made.” While older fans may be surprised by the absence of the testosterone-heavy scream-singing, fewer heavily distorted guitars, and prominent synthesizers, “Light” seems like a natural progression from its second album and isn’t an ambient affair for the cult favorite.

The underrated songwriter returned recently with the album “Adios,” which builds on his punk roots, incorporates Elvis Costello-style squawking keys, and eclipses his country and folk past with classically influenced guitar-picking, ’70s rock and Henry Mancini-style jazz.

This story was originally published April 18, 2017 at 3:06 PM with the headline "7 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week."