The Flaming Lips
Earlier this year, the Flaming Lips released Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, which included their most well-known songs, B-sides and a couple previously unreleased tracks. They also released Seeing the Unseeable: The Complete Studio Recordings of The Flaming Lips: 1986-1990, which includes more than 70 songs over six discs. Expect the band to draw from its extensive catalog when it performs tonight at the Agora. (Laura Morrison) 8 p.m., $45-$128.50. Agora Theatre.
Rascal Flatts/Dan + Shay/Carly Pearce
Rascal Flatts are one of the most iconic country bands of all time. Heartfelt ballads like “Bless the Broken Road,” an anthem for anyone who believes everything happens for a reason, are the band’s best work. “What Hurts the Most,” a twangy breakup tune, is the clear standout of the band’s hit-filled catalog. With thoughtful lyrics and catchy instrumentals, it’s the perfect sing-along. Dan + Shay’s career has skyrocketed in recent years. The duo saw major success with its 2018 single “Tequila,” a stripped-down nostalgia-filled ode to an ex-lover. In “Speechless,” a more optimistic track, the duo describes the beauty of a special lady. The soft, R&B infused production laid over everything, but the chorus makes the song a cool change-up for a country act. Carly Pearce has quickly become a vital part of the revolution for females in country music. “Every Little Thing,” the most intimate song Pearce has ever written displays her gorgeous vocals and lyrical talent with toned-down piano backing. “Hide the Wine,” Pearce’s latest single, sets the tone by opening with a killer riff. The upbeat track is about avoiding getting sucked back in by an old flame. (Halle Weber), 7:30 p.m., $32.50-$97.25. Blossom.
SATURDAY, AUG. 18
Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes took a trip to the past on 2012’s Men Without Women: Live 7-2-11. Though it’s a live recording of a show he played just a few years ago, the record features Southside and the Asbury Jukes performing songs from Little Steven’s 1982 album. Longtime friends with both Steven (a founding member of the Jukes) and Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny has released more than 30 albums in a career that stretches back to the early ’70s. A Cleveland favorite, the guy has fond memories of the days when Kid Leo put him into the regular rotation on WMMS and always puts on a especially good show in Cleveland. (Jeff Niesel) 8 p.m., $29.50-$37.50. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.
SUNDAY, AUG. 19
Honky Tonk Happy Hour with Shooter Sharp and the Shootouts/Charles Hill Jr./Cody J. Martin
Akron-based singer-songwriter Ryan Humbert is one of Northeast Ohio’s most active musicians. If he’s not playing solo dates, he’s paying tribute to icons such as Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan with large, extravagant shows. And that’s not to mention his elaborate Christmas concerts. Somehow, he’s found time to also play and record with the side project, Shooter Sharp & the Shootouts. In addition to Humbert, the group features guitarist Brian Poston, bassist Dan Nauss and drummer Dylan Gomez. They headline today’s special Honky Tonk Happy Hour and BBQ at the Beachland. (Niesel), 6:30 p.m., $10. Beachland Tavern.
Dave Mason and Steve Cropper
Dave Mason was all of 19 years old, by his telling, when he put pen to paper and wrote “Feelin’ Alright,” which wound up on the self-titled 1968 debut from Traffic, the band he co-founded with Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi. The song from the British rock group has become a staple moment in Mason’s live set, but it found even more ears when Joe Cocker got a hold of it and put his own version out for his 1969 album, With A Little Help From My Friends. In the lyrics to the song, Mason sings, “Got to stop believin’ in your lies/Cause there’s too much to do before I die.” Little did he realize that he had a lot of days, months and years ahead of him as he wrote those words down. So it’s easy to understand why he’s been looking forward to his current Rock & Soul Revue tour with guitarist Steve Cropper. (Matt Wardlaw) 7:30 p.m., $55-$125. The Kent Stage.
This article appears in Aug 15-21, 2018.
