WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15
THE INCREDIBLE SANDWICH The name sounds like an amazingly awesome lunch, but this jam band from Athens, Ga., hopes to feed your appetite for rock as they hit the stage in the Queen City. Subtle guitar riffs over a glowing keyboard put you in the mood for fun times in the Fall foliage on songs like “Bluebird Pt II.” While funkier tunes like “It’s Gone” cause involuntary foot tapping and the inevitable head bob. $8, The Double Door Inn, www.thedoubledoorinn.com (Debra Renee Seth)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 16
PALEFACE He may have strong roots back in New York City, but anti-folk scenester Paleface has been establishing a new home in the Charlotte area for the last few years. He’s currently signed to Concord’s Ramseur Records and has found his way on stage (and on record) with The Avett Brothers numerous times. Solid songwriting and singing highlight his performances, alongside drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot. $10, 8 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com (Jeff Hahne)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 17
BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS Formed in 1986, Big Head Todd and the Monsters is one of those bands whose name I’ve heard constantly over the years, but even if offered $1,000, I wouldn’t be able to name one of their songs. Some of the bands singles include “Bittersweet,” “Broken Hearted Savior” and “Resignation Superman”… Nope, not ringing a bell either. However, if they were that bad, would they have lasted this long? $35.25, The Fillmore Charlotte, www.livenation.com (Jeff Hahne)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 18
MONSTRO The members of Monstro have clocked much time with a stack of indie and metal bands over the past few years. The quartet formed in early 2009 in Atlanta, and immediately set off on a mood-laden metal trip. Spacey tunes pay tribute to Pink Floyd and Helios Creed while their combined veteran rockers status spews a fine blend of ambient as well as hard rock. Tremont Music Hall, www.tremontmusichall.com (Samir Shukla)
LADY GAGA Not too long ago, Lady Gaga was touring small clubs with just an outfit or two, but these days, her massive production is more like a musical than a concert with more than a dozen wardrobe changes. While many see her as something fresh and innovative, I remember Madonna’s early days and feel like I’ve seen all of this before. Are people really paying $200 to see her? With Semi Precious Weapons. $62.05-$196.45, Time Warner Cable Arena, www.timewarnercablearena.com (Hahne)
THE BLACK CROWES After two decades in the industry, the Black Crowes are saying thank you. Their “Say Goodbye to the Bad Guys Tour” is essentially a last hoorah before they take an indefinite hiatus. Luckily for long-time fans, the band is giving them a lot of show before they, potentially, call it quits. First there’s a 90-minute, all acoustic set followed by a 90-minute electric set. Must be nice to have that much good material. $52-$65, Road Runner Mobile Amphitheatre, www.livenation.com (Mike McCray)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 19
TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS Arguably Petty has to stretch his vocals a bit now, unlike in younger days when his wail could rise above the guitars. But that’s a minor complaint for someone who has written countless no frills American rock anthems and ballads over the past 30 plus years. . Make no mistake, though, as Petty’s songcraft and guitar slinging are (still) in prime territory. With ZZ Top. $53.35-$149.50, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, www.livenation.com (Shukla)
BRIAN CULBERTSON Twelve albums into a career that’s blurred the lines of smooth jazz and R&B, Brian Culbertson’s biography reads like a who’s who in the genres. With a catalog including names like Brian McKnight, Chuck Brown, Ray Parker Jr. and others, he used his latest project as a chance to bring fans into the process of making an album. Doing video blogs daily as he went through the sessions, creating and dropping a record. Old dogs learn new tricks. $42-$50, The Fillmore Charlotte, www.livenation.com (Mike McCray)
MONDAY, SEPT. 20
AIDS WOLF This wacked-out trio from Montreal — guitars, drums and a zombiefied female vocalist (think Melt-Banana) — will either inspire zany experimental noise and punk lovers, or clear the room pretty damn fast. I’d fall under the previous batch, albeit if it’s a fast-paced but short set. With Junior Astronomers and Dignan. $7, Snug Harbor, www.snugrock.com (Shukla)
TUESDAY, SEPT. 21
ROCKAPELLA If you remember the show, Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?, you likely have this group to thank. The quintet gained early recognition after writing and recording the theme song for the hit show and have retained their unique luster ever since. Appearing on huge networks such as HBO and NBC, Rockapella is no stranger to the stage and promises an equally memorable performance here in Charlotte. And though we never did track down the elusive Carmen San Diego, we can tell you where the group that helped make her famous will be. $8-$20, Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu (Seth)
This article appears in Sep 14-20, 2010.
