FRIDAY, AUG. 5
Anders Osborn
Restless, hardworking singer-guitarist Anders Osborne found time between recording and touring for his last album, Space Dust and Ocean Views, earlier this year to cut his second album of 2016 (and fifteenth since ’95), Flower Box. Distorted, layered guitar and classic rock drums drive all eight tracks as the album successfully blends Louisiana blues, mid-tempo classic rock, and pop sensibility. (Tucker Kelly), 8 p.m., $15-18. The Kent Stage.
LP
A powerhouse singer who emerged in 2001 when she released her debut album Heart-Shaped Scar, LP, who grew up in New York, quickly raised eyebrows with her distinctive voice and confessional songwriting. She says she initially just “put a band together” in the wake of her mother’s death and set out to play whatever crappy clubs she could. She got a publishing deal in 2009 and then signed to a major label shortly after that. But bad luck came her way in the wake of signing to Warner Bros., who signed her after a regime change. Another round of bad luck inspired the songs on her terrific new Death Valley EP. A slow burner of a song that finds LP belting out the refrain with abandon, "Lost on You" captures the frustration she experienced when she went through a bitter breakup. At one point toward the song’s end, she lets loose a piercing howl. Expect the songs to really resonate at tonight’s show. (Jeff Niesel) 8 p.m. House of Blues Cambridge Room.
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Longtime friends with both Little Steven (a founding member of the Jukes) and Bruce Springsteen, singer-songwriter 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 put on a especially good show in Cleveland. (Niesel) 8 p.m., $29.50-$57.50. Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.
SATURDAY, AUG. 6
Beach Stav Release Show
The group describes its music as dark glam, freak folk, psychedelic, R&B, rock, punk, ambient, indie, garage. The band takes a decidedly experimental approach on last year's Future Heavy, which commences with the trippy "Milquetoast," a song that features whispered vocals set to a gentle guitar melody that sounds like something from a Pink Floyd tune. "Everything is Perfect," the first single from the band's new album, features woozy vocals and sounds like George Clinton on acid. (Niesel), 9 p.m., $5. Happy Dog.
Elizabeth Cook
Given that country outlaws tend to be men (think Willie and Waylon and Merle), it’s refreshing to see singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook garner some attention. She’s cut from the same musical cloth. With her new album, Exodus of Venus, she delivers another collection of personal songs. This time, they document the tumultuous past six years of life. The tracks reference deaths, a divorce and personal hardships, including a battle with addiction. Cook, who’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry over 400 times, hosts her own Sirius XM show on the Outlaw Country station and has worked with everyone from Jason Isbell to Steve Earle and John Prine. She's a veteran performer so expect the new songs to really sizzle at tonight's show. (Niesel), 8:30 p.m., $17. Beachland Tavern.
SUNDAY, AUG. 7
Colvin & Earle
Singer-songwriters Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle first met almost three decades ago when Colvin opened for Earle, who was on a solo acoustic tour. Earle immediately proposed that he and Colvin record an entire album together. Earlier this year, the two released Earle & Colvin, a fantastic new collection of tunes that finds the duo collaborating on the songwriting and playing a few choice covers. Expect to hear songs from the album (and a few of their original tunes not on the album) at tonight’s show. (Niesel) 8 p.m., $75 ADV, $85 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.
EPMD - Strictly Business 30 Year Anniversary Tour
The only thing more incredible than a musical group of any kind staying together for 30 years is realizing that East Coast hip-hop has been around for just as long. This year, rap duo EPMD, who hail from Long Island’s Brentwood, celebrates 30 years rhyming (save for two brief break ups in ’93 and ’06) with a tour called Strictly Business. The Strictly Business tour features a revolving door of hip-hop pioneers from the mainstream and underground as well as locals and newcomers to the rap game. (Kelly), 9 p.m., $25. Grog Shop.
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