WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
LEDISI You may think this four-time Grammy nominee is fairly new to the game but don't let 2008's Best New Artist nomination fool you — she's been cutting her teeth as a soul-jazz singer since the mid-'90s. Blending those elements, she just put the finishing touches on her next project, recording her last song just days ago. If it's anything like her first three albums, your ears are in for a treat. See Ledisi as part of the Intimacy Tour headlined by Kem and featuring Musiq Soulchild. $49.50-$66. Ovens Auditorium. www.ovensauditorium.com. (Mike McCray)
ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART Acoustic blues played right penetrates the soul. Hart is one bluesman with an ear for both somber acoustic and blistering electric blues. He's not bashful about taking detours from traditional blues either, as the record Territory from a few years back ventured into jazz, reggae, jug band, and other roots genres. But blues is Hart's calling, and the guitar is his voice. $10. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com. (Samir Shukla)
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
STEPHEN WARWICK W/ SECONDHAND STORIES Last time we visited Mr. Warwick in these pages was just prior to the release last year of his long-awaited debut, Talking Machine. Our money was it on being good, but we should have gone all-in; it was better than good. Blending folk-flavored pop with rousing horn sections and gauzy canopies of synth and keys, Warwick and Co. pulled off the rare feat of sounding fresh and timeless. The record even made a Best of '10 list or two, if we're not mistaken, and deservedly so. Opening for Stoll Vaughn, with Fuzz & Mac. $8. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com. (John Schacht)
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
J AND THE KUDZU CONSPIRACY This Lincolnton-based alt-rock foursome is still emerging, doing a live show that mixes their original songs with covers you'll know. And from the little there is out there from them, there's a lot to enjoy. Pulling from influences like the Smashing Pumpkins, Queen, Weezer and Metallica, they put a paramount of kicking out good music and having an even better time doing it. $5. Puckett's Farm Equipment. www.puckettsfarm.com. (McCray)
DARYL HANCE Guitarist for JJ Grey & Mofro for the past dozen years, Hance is hitting the solo trail with his debut recording Hallowed Ground. It's a mix of blues, funk and rock & roll of the Southern variety. It's basic stuff, but solidly written and played. Hance is most effective with a blues underpinning in his songs and while he can undoubtedly rock out, when he gets down to slow-burning blues is when he makes the mark. The Philosopher's Stone Tavern. www.philosophersstonetavern.com. (Shukla)
BUBONIK FUNK With a name just as catchy as its music, Bubonik Funk continues to infect its audience with a new blend of sound not heard in today's modern bands. The Charlotte quartet is bringing it back where it started, blending the '70s funk era with modern alternative rock riffs and mellow grooves in a mixture that actually works. Also on the bill The Mantras. $10, Neighborhood Theatre. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com. (Johnathan Cruse)
EMILY LYNCH Singer-songwriter Emily Lynch was just at the Muse last month for her show with Jill Andrews, but I'm sure any in attendance at that show won't mind that she's back so soon. Lynch has a great folk style and soothing ease to her vocals that can instantly draw a crowd in. While her CD features a full band, there's something beautiful in the simplicity of her solo performances. With Dean Fields. $8. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com. (Jeff Hahne)
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
LOUDERMILKS Long-standing Charlotte music fans will remember the Edwards bros. — Alan and Chad — as the prime movers behind Lou Ford, rural rockers as infamous for biting the feeding hand as for their aphorism-rich songs and transcendent sibling harmonies. They've cobbled together a new five-piece (including ex-Vetiver bassist Brent Dunn), added some fiddle and keys, and whipped up a setlist of new songs plus a few unrecorded LF stowaways. But the fundamentals remain unimpeachable: These gents write some of the catchiest, heart-rending country rock around. It's all rather sad, but comfortingly familiar. With the Overmountain Men and Ken Will Morton & the Wholly Ghosts. $8. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com. (Schacht)
THE NEW FAMILIARS Fans of Charlotte's finest roots-rock quartet The New Familiars has had this day marked on their calendar for some time. Only problem was that lineup changes and other delays kept pushing it back. But the day has finally arrived for people to get their hands on the band's latest album, Between the Moon and Morning Light. No doubt that it was well worth the wait. With Danny Barnes. $10. Visulite Theatre. www.visulite.com. (Hahne)
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
AL JARREAU Al Jarreau is proof that an artist's music can transcend all genres as the seven-time Grammy winner has taken awards in pop, R&B and jazz during his 40-year career. With a unique vocal style still unable to be emulated Jarreau's innovative voice keeps him one of the most sought after jazz legend to date. Legends of Jazz with Al Jarreau is presented by the Jazz Diva Foundation. $38.50-75.50. Knight Theater. www.blumenthalcenter.org. (Cruse)
MONDAY, MARCH 21
LANGHORNE SLIM Singer/songwriter Langhorne Slim's voice is a treat, and his words ring true with a revivalist take on bluegrass and folk. Slim is not afraid to use horns as an uplifting factor and the guitar strolls right along while he adds soul-drenched chorus into the mix, coaxing all to merrily sing along. $10-$12. Visulite Theatre. www.visulite.com. (Shukla)