THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS We do not live in a quirk-friendly era. The hipster code permeates pop culture today to such an extent that irony and its twin sisters Snark and Sarcasm are virtually the only acceptable modes of “fun.” Nowhere is that more true than in popular music — a band like these ’80s/early ’90s N.Y.C.-based stalwarts wouldn’t stand a chance today. But their arrival prior to grunge, before all this seriousness set in stone, enabled the inventors of Dial-A-Song — a phone line that played TMBG songs on an answering machine — and revived “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” to flourish and build a long-running cult following. Their 15th release, last year’s Join Us, turns back toward the original TMGB formula: peppy pop songs written with peppery irreverence. With Jonathan Coulton. $25 and up. McGlohon Theatre.
Tags: They Might Be Giants, McGlohon Theatre, Charlotte, Schacht, Image
ROBERT CRAY BAND Critically derided as the Mitt Romney of rockin’ blues — a too perfect automaton with zero soul — Robert Cray has unfairly paid the price for his Grammy-fueled mega success in the ’80s and ’90s. With his radio play days long behind him, Cray should rightly get some love for his lyrical complexity, smooth soulful vocals and fiery-but-carefully-phrased guitar that recalls the stinging telecaster of mentor Albert Collins. Maybe he’s no longer the modern blues innovator he was in his heyday, but Cray proves that smooth and virtuosic doesn’t have to mean lazy and lugubrious. With Shane Pruitt Band. $30. Neighborhood Theatre.
Tags: Robert Cray Band, Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, Pat Moran
MARC BROUSSARD Second generation Louisiana music man Broussard informs his chops with the unmistakable blues that call the bayou home. Gathering the rich musicality of southern Louisiana — Cajun, Crescent City funk and jazz, horns-caressed R&B — Broussard writes and croons radio-friendly rockers, some of which are destined to become classics. This is date-night music that’s sure to heat up a chilly Saturday night. RIYL: John Hiatt, Dr. John. With Sugar & the Hi Lows. $20. Neighborhood Theatre.
Tags: Marc Broussard, Samir Shukla, Charlotte, Neighborhood Theatre, Image
JOHNSON VALENTINE BASH. This annual event celebrates its 20th anniversary with a show headlined by Charlotte music scene vets, Hardcore Lounge. A fixture in the area since forming in 2001, don’t let the name mislead you — it’s more Studio 54 than CBGB’s but still pretty engaging. The Monterreys and folk/bluegrass act Alex Kastansas are also on the bill. Proceeds from the show go to R.A.I.N., the Regional Aids Interfaith Network. $7. Snug Harbor.
Tags: Hardcore Lounge, Snug Harbor, Charlotte, Mike McCray
LUCKY FIVE This five-piece looks more like a boy band than a rock band, but a unique blend of bluesy beats, classic guitar riffs and jazz make them stand out like no other. Singer Marques Nash brings the soulful sound together with a voice like that of Jimi Hendrix while heavy bass lines provide a heartbeat for each song and keep the blues influence steady. They have been popping up all around Charlotte venues to bring their unique groove to the music scene and are guaranteed to have your body moving on the dance floor with their fast-paced funk. With Groove 8 and the O-Getters. $8. Tremont Music Hall.
Tags: Lucky Five, Charlotte, Alison Angel, Tremont Music Hall, Image
SUNSHONE STILL From great tragedy comes great art, the old saw goes. But as good as Columbia native Chris Smith’s new record — TheWayTheWorldDies — is, rest assured he’d take back its inspiration in a heartbeat: in 2010, Smith’s brother killed himself, and these 10 poignant songs deal with the grief, anger and incomprehension that followed and led, eventually, to acceptance. Musically, Smith bridges out some from his previous desert-baked sound (which fit the Kit Carson-inspired tale of 2007’s Ten Cent American Novels), and the more rock-flavored songs here are graced with beautiful guitar fills from our late friend Rodney Lanier. With Hausman and Danielle Howle. $10 in advance. The Evening Muse.
Tags: Sunshone Still, Evening Muse, Charlotte, John Schacht, Image
CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY: A JOHN WILLIAMS SPECTACULAR When you think Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, Jaws or Jurassic Park, likely one of the first things to come to mind is some defining orchestral theme: something so perfectly matched with each film as to be culturally inseparable. And that’s John Williams’ gift. As much a skilled pop musician as a composer, his themes are accessible enough for even the tone-deafest to hum — though this pops master has never been one to sacrifice dynamics or complexity. So come out to celebrate his 80th birthday (actually on Feb. 8, but who’s counting?). This is the first of two consecutive nights. $26.50-$71.50. Belk Theater.
Tags: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra: A John Williams Spectacular, Belk Theater, Charlotte, Corbie Hill, Image
On the road in support of their latest EP, Watermelon, Charleston, S.C., quintet Sol Driven Train finds that fine line between a variety of genres. Steadily building a fan base since 2005, the band combines elements of soul, funk, blues and rock into a jam-infused stew of their own. With Dangermuffin. $8-$12. Double Door Inn.
Tags: Sol Driven Train, Jeff Hahne, Double Door Inn, Charlotte, Image
Ramseur Records artist Samantha Crain is on tour in support of her latest release, A Simple Jungle. The Oklahoma resident of Choctaw heritage has the right combination of soulful vocals and sometimes-energetic, sometimes-somber songwriting to fit well within the label’s stable of artists. With American Aquarium. 8 p.m. $8 advance. The Evening Muse.
Tags: Samantha Crain, The Evening Muse, Charlotte, Jeff Hahne, Image
MACHINE HEAD One of the more intriguing metal bands on the circuit, Machine Head’s menacing thud is colored of late with classical and Latin guitar shadings. For almost two decades, the quartet has churned their grind and thrash apropos to the genres, but they’re always looking forward and aren’t afraid to delve into experimentation and epic songcraft while continuously evolving and honing their chops, singing melodically even. That’s not to say the thunderous percussion and blasting guitars won’t frighten the neighbors. With Suicide Silence and Darkest Hour. $27. The Fillmore Charlotte.
Tags: Machine Head, Samir Shukla, Charlotte, The Fillmore Charlotte, Music Menu, Charlotte, NC, music, Suicide Silence, Darkest Hour, Image