ESPERANZA SPALDING It used to be that only jazz heads were into bassist/singer Esperanza Spalding. But since debuting as a solo artist in 2005, she's steadily blown up selling audiences on her genre-blending style of musicianship and vocal ability. See what the fuss is all about when she pops into Charlotte for an ultra-rare concert (where she'll be playing tunes from her latest CD, Chamber Music Society, among other stuff). $29.50-$64.50. Knight Theater, www.blumenthalcenter.org (Carlton Hargro)
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SHOOTER JENNINGS & HIEROPHANT The Southern rocker used to take a good cue from his father Waylon's music, but his new band, Hierophant, has gone in more of a psychedelic direction. Those afraid of his country stylings might find interest in these more artistic tunes, while long-time fans may find it hard to get a grasp on. $18-$20, Visulite Theatre, www.visulite.com (Jeff Hahne)