Thursday, March 6, 2014

This week's hot concerts

Gregory Porter
Friday  8 p.m., McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St., $38-$45, www.blumenthalarts.org
This year’s Grammy winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album (for 2013’s “Liquid Spirit”) has been gaining prominence since his Grammy nominated 2010 debut “Water.” The restrained San Diego singer could teach the “American Idol” crowd a lot about how to deliver a soulful tune without going over-the-top.

Dropkick Murphys
Friday  8 p.m., The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., $38, www.livenation.com
The Boston band has come a long way since it premiered its distinctive Irish-American pub punk on Warped Tour stages in the `90s. It’s evolved musically and its profile has risen due to the film “The Departed” and by playing during the World Series in 2013. With Lucero and Skinny Lister.

Excision
Saturday  9 p.m., The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd, $40, www.livenation.com
The Canadian dupstep producer ups the lighting production and volume of last year’s tour with 150,000 watts and a 28 foot wide, 15 foot tall lighting installation that won’t even fit inside some venues. He’s also keeping fans on their toes with a series of new singles.

Sam the Lion/Reeve Coobs/Hot Gates
Saturday  10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., $5, www.snugrock.com
Following the late 2011 death of Sea of Cortez leader Rodney Lanier, band members Lindsey Horne, Chris Lonon, and Chris Waldorf regroup as Sam the Lion (named after their former band’s song). The dreamy new quartet teams with two of Charlotte's best current acts Coobs and Hot Gates.

Spirit Caravan
Sunday  8 p.m., Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St., $12-$15, www.chopshopnoda.com
Doom guitar legend and vocalist Wino (the Obsessed, Saint Vitus) reteams with bassist Dave Shermann and drummer Gary Isom for the reunion of their influential late `90s/early `00s deep groove-driven, stoner metal outfit.

Busdriver, Open Mike Eagle, Nocando, and Milo
Monday  10 p.m., Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St., Free, although limited advance $10 tickets are available to guarantee entry, www.snugrock.com
Emcees from L.A. indie rap label, Hellfyre - art-rap leaders Open Mike Eagle and Busdriver, label owner Nocando, and Wisconsin college student-turned up-and-coming pro Milo - join forces on tour for an intimate, must-see underground hip-hop show.

Snarky Puppy
Tuesday  8 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., $18-$20, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The recent Grammy winning (for its collaboration with Layla Hathaway) Brooklyn fusion ensemble play a makeup date after having to cancel its February performance due to last month’s snow.

Eddie Money
Wednesday  8 p.m., Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., $27-$30, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The 64-year-old rocker’s lengthy string of `70s and `80s hits and classic rock radio staples includes “Baby Hold On,” “I Wanna Go Back,” “Shakin’,” “Two Tickets to Paradise,” and “Take Me Home Tonight.” Expect those and more during this intimate club performance.

Gasoline Heart
Wednesday  9 p.m., The Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd., $5-$7, www.themilestoneclub.com
The Brooklyn outfit takes well-written, heartland rock anthems and the Springsteenian-schooled approach of fellow gas-powered rockers Gaslight Anthem and adds a touch of American roots-rock and a heavy helping of punk edge.