Music Tuesday March 16 edition

OK, so for the second week in a row I’m a day late with this. Blame it on other deadlines. But I remain committed to getting the word out on great live music. We may not get to host SXSW like Austin, but we get some good shows.

That said, this is a light week. Before we get to the tunes, a quick note. Photographer Daniel Coston, a longtime contributor to the magazine and the man behind the Avett Brothers photo essay in the April issue, is showing his Johnny Cash photos at Dish in Plaza-Midwood until the end of June. Go check ’em out. Now, the music.

Friday, March 19
Ben Folds at Fillmore Charlotte
Lately, this blog space has been skewing toward gritty Southern rock. Ben Folds is Southern, but he’s not all that gritty. He writes clever pop songs that he sort of warbles while he bangs along on his piano. Somehow, he’s able to turn a few of those songs into anthems. Kid can play.

Friday March 19
Lights, Fluorescent with The Winter Sounds at Snug Harbor (late show)
I admit I don’t know much about local band Lights, Fluorescent (sort of a sped-up Concrete Blonde based on a quick listen). But music writer and occasional contributor to Charlotte mag Courtney Devores speaks highly of them, and that works for me. I’ve heard The Winter Sounds on NPR and satellite radio and enjoy their indie sound.

Saturday, March 20
G. Love & Special Sauce at Amos’ Southend
G. Love plays a laid-back hybrid of Philly soul, hip hop, and rock. He’s recorded on Jack Johnson’s label, if that helps. His shows tend to be parties, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.