8 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week | Jan. 17-23
Grace Potter
8 p.m. Friday. The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St. $36.
Having kicked off a nationwide headlining tour last week, the pop-rocker comes to The Fillmore to promote her first solo album in four years, “Daylight,” which was released late last year. The album shows a graduation from her rock-star 13-year career with The Nocturnals as she shifts towards a more-polished pop sound, with confessional lyrics held up by her powerful, soulful, smoky vocals.
Four Finger Records Anniversary
9 p.m. Friday. Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. $5-$7.
The local DIY indie label celebrates two years with a full lineup of bands on their roster that span the rock spectrum, from alt-country outfits like The Wilt and folk-rockers Jude Moses ... to experimental synth-pop groups like Solis and singer-songwriter Vess ... to the more-standard guitar sounds of Thousand Dollar Movie and Fortune Teller. Compilation cassettes of the label’s roster will be available for purchase.
Marlon Craft
9 p.m. Friday. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $10-$45.
The Hell’s Kitchen rapper has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years, culminating with last year’s debut full-length release, “Funhouse Mirror.” The impressive, jazz-infused album traverses institutionalized racism as well as his own introspective battles — over boom-bap beats and twinkling piano — and reflects New York’s golden era of hip-hop alongside his invigorating contemporary lyrical style. Craft is currently on his “South for the Winter Tour,” and brings along fellow rappers Bobby Feeno (a former NFL All-Pro running back) and Indigo Jo.
Jesse Cook
8 p.m. Friday. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. $25-$50.
The celebrated guitarist and composer has included Charlotte in his 48-date “Follow the Road Tour,” which marks the 25th anniversary of his debut album “Tempest.” Inspired by his childhood connection to the Mediterranean and gypsy music, Cook’s guitar styling incorporates a hybrid of the rhythmic flow of flamenco, rumba and Samba with contemporary elements of pop and jazz, creating a signature worldly sound.
Hiss Golden Messenger
8 p.m. Saturday. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. $21-$31.
Signed to Merge Records, the Durham band — led by singer-songwriter M.C. Taylor — released “Terms of Surrender” late last year to glowing reviews. Taylor’s genuine, emotional delivery and his penchant for writing poetic, relatable songs that pull the listener in by the heartstrings is matched only by fantastic live performances that sweep from prayer-filled thoughtfulness to grooving jams. Lilly Hiatt (daughter of legendary singer-songwriter John Hiatt) opens the show.
American Authors and Magic Giant
7:30 p.m. Sunday. The Underground, 820 Hamilton St. $25.
Merging forces and fan bases for a special co-headlining tour, the so-called “Band of Brothers Roadshow” uniquely combines the two bands’ live sets. Although both are classified as alternative rock, Magic Giant leans into the artful folk side of the spectrum, captivating festival crowds, while American Authors hovers on the anthemic, energetic spirit of rock. Magic Giant just released its newest single, “Disaster Party,” and American Authors are fresh off the 2019 release of its third album, “Seasons.”
Celine Dion
7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. $55 and up.
The internationally recognized pop queen kicked off her “Courage World Tour” in late 2019, her first tour to hit the U.S. in 10 years after an extensive 16-year Las Vegas residency. The Canadian singer may be best-known for the 1997 “Titanic” theme song “My Heart Will Go On,” but her decades-long career, astounding vocal range, and Vegas-refined stage presence prove she’s more than one monumental song.
Jesse Malin
8 p.m. Wednesday. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $15-$18.
He got his start at age 12 in the 1980s New York hardcore scene with the band Heart Attack, then gained prominence as the vocalist for glam-punk band D Generation. These days, the solo artist is currently touring in support of his eighth studio album, “Sunset Kids,” produced by American troubadour Lucinda Williams; it incorporates guest vocals from Williams and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, melding Malin’s punk past with his modern wisdom.