7 buzzworthy concerts coming to Charlotte in the next week | Feb. 28-March 5
XOXOK
7:30 p.m. Friday. The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $7.
The Carrboro-based musician (née Keenan Jenkins) has been creating atmospheric soul-rock since he was working on a Ph.D. at UNC Chapel Hill in 2015. His latest work — Worthy, released last year — shows off the psychology major’s sugary vocals and patient, full instrumentation. Opening the show is Charlotte-based artist 1 Way North, which makes music influenced by classical, gospel, hip-hop and techno.
KRS-One
8 p.m. Friday at The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.; $47 and up. Also 9 p.m. Saturday at Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St.; $30-$70.
The influential hip-hop emcee KRS-ONE plays two nights at two venues in support of his 2019 album “Street Light,” which stands as one of his most comprehensive albums in years. KRS-One (an acronym for Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone) is a longtime political and spiritual activist and has been called “the conscience of hip-hop” by Rolling Stone for his prolific and impactful messages. Well into his 50s, this legendary teacher is still effortlessly freestyling and giving energetic, memorable live performances.
Bear Grillz
10 p.m. Saturday. SERJ, 2906 Central Ave. $20 and up.
Clad in an illuminated bear costume, the dubstepping DJ sensation produces chaotic musical mayhem via a diverse take on bass-driven EDM that’s wrapped up in a carefree message of fun-loving buoyancy. Grillz typically plays and sells out large venues, so this intimate performance should give fans an up-close-and-personal view of his artistry.
Nat Baldwin
7 p.m. Sunday. Goodyear Arts, 1776 Statesville Ave. $5.
Though he’s best-known for his membership in the innovative indie-rock band The Dirty Projectors, the bassist/singer has amassed a collection of solo work that explores the parameters of free improvisation, jazz and contemporary classical. Baldwin released his sophomore LP, “Autonomia I: Body Without Organs,” last week; it focuses on improvisational bow techniques inspired by poet Antonin Artaud’s “language without articulation” ideals, with each track being recorded in one take. Patois Counselors opens.
Joe Jack Talcum
10 p.m. Monday. Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $8.
The lead guitarist and co-vocalist for pioneering hardcore punk-rock band The Dead Milkmen has been involved in a number of bands since his time in the Milkmen, including a solo career as a singer/songwriter since 1984. With Coolzey, an alt-rocker influenced just as much by the golden age of hip-hop as he is by ’90s grunge, making this show stand out as genre-bending and uniquely interesting thanks to both artists’ affinity for challenging traditional styles of rock music.
Miss Tess
9 p.m. Wednesday. Thirsty Beaver Saloon, 1225 Central Ave. Free.
The Nashville singer-songwriter creates magical rootsy punk-Americana and is currently on tour in support of her recently released LP “The Moon Is an Ashtray,” which was co-produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff). With her Weymann archtop guitar and her bedazzled belt, she’ll bring a refreshing spirit to a sound informed by vintage blues, jazz and country.
SG Goodman
8 p.m. Thursday. Recover Brands, 1518 Bryant St. $20.
The frontwoman for the rock band The Savage Radley is also a solo folk artist determined to shine light on the progressive side of the South, with messages that are meant to inspire fellow Southern artists to cultivate community and opportunities in their own backyards rather than leaving for already-saturated big-city allure. Her spectacular voice gives wings to her songwriting, channeling the twangy nostalgia of Lucinda Williams and the haunting timelessness of Emmylou Harris.