NATALIE GELMAN UNC Charlotte's Union Unplugged series continues with this acoustic, indie rock singer/songwriter. Gelman cut her teeth as a street performer in the N.Y.C. subway and roller-bladed 1,500 miles up the East Coast from Miami to NYC for charity to mark the release of her debut album. The disc received 4 out of 4 stars from the New York Post, and had critics making comparisons to giants of the genre like Sheryl Crow and Jewel. Free, UNCC Union Rotunda, http://cab.uncc.edu (Mike McCray)
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JERRY CHAPMAN This Mount Airy, N.C.-born singer/songwriter has taken a different approach in his modern rock journey. Blending elements of folk, rock, pop and Americana, he's made well-received music without all the frills. Noted for his everyman charm and honest lyrics, he's also carved out a niche doing favorites from The Steve Miller Band and others. Free, RiRa Irish Pub, www.rira.com (McCray)
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FRONTIER RUCKUS Out of the frozen climes of Michigan blooms this gutsy, roots quartet that writes, well, tingly warm music. It's clear that Frontier Ruckus doesn't need flashy lights or tricks. The group is content with writing simple, yet compelling tunes that continue to add to the catalogue of solid, in for the long haul, Americana. With Tokyo Rosenthal. $5, The Evening Muse, www.theeveningmuse.com (Samir Shukla)