We'd hate for you to miss out on all the awesome that happens every weekend, so we've decided to run down four of the best shows in one easy-to-swallow post, with video and audio. Tell us -- and the rest of the world -- what we missed in the comments.
This weekend, Kid Rock brings his incarnation of rock-and-roll Jesus to the Sprint Center, with the critically lauded country star Jamey Johnson. Rick Ross blows money fast with Monica, Soulja Boy and local MC Ron Ron at the Sprint Center on Sunday night. Our local leading ladies - and some dudes, too - pay tribute to the music of the Pretenders on Sunday night. There's a masquerade ball and jazz showdown, N'Awlins-style, at Crosstown Station on Saturday night.
1. Kid Rock, with Jamey Johnson
Friday, February 25. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $23 - $87
Why you should go: Kid Rock's songwriting ability has always been much stronger than his crotch-grabbing, whiskey-swilling antics would let on. Southern rock may not be the highest incarnation of musical art forms, but damn, is it fun.
Listen:
2. Rick Ross, with Soulja Boy, Monica and Ron Ron
Sunday, February 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $55 - $100
Why you should go: Seeing Rick Ross' larger-than-life persona explode on the Sprint Center stage? That'll cost you between $55 and $100 bucks. But watching a local MC spit it, big time, in front of a cheering crowd of over a thousand people? That's priceless.
Listen:
3. Sonic Spectrum Presents: A Tribute to the Pretenders
Sunday, February 27.
Tickets: $7
Why you should go: Arguably, you should go see these artists when they're playing their original songs. But it's always nice to hear a talented soul riff on a song that's close to your heart. And that's exactly what Erin McGrane, Atlantic Fadeout, the Mahoots, Lazy, Jenny Carr and more will be doing on Sunday night. Expect deep cuts and your "Brass in Pocket" alike.
Listen:
4. Top of the Bottoms, featuring the Pope of Dope, Little Queenie, Hearts of Darkness, Snuff Jazz Urban Noise Camp, and DJ Fat Sal.
Saturday, February 26, at Crosstown Station.
Tickets: $15-20
Why you should go: Top of the Bottoms has been hosting yearly masquerade balls to showcase local acts. (Recognizable names include the People's Liberation Big Band, Wee Snuff, and the Dirty Force Brass Knuckle Street Band and Soul Revue.) This year's ball will feature two floors of entertainment, including Hearts of Darkness; Mark Southerland's avant-jazz experimental project, Snuff Jazz Urban Noise Camp; and Pope of Dope, the brainchild of local jazz mainstay Micah Herman, with New Orleans vocalist Little Queenie.
