Courtesy of the Agora
Blue October
Led by volatile singer-guitarist Justin Furstenfeld, the alt-rock act Blue October has experienced extreme ups and downs since forming just over 20 years ago. Furstenfeld chronicles that rollercoaster ride in Crazy Making — The Words and Lyrics of Justin Furstenfeld, a collection of annotated lyrics for the songs in the band's discography. A couple of years ago, he toured in support of the book and played acoustic shows. Blue October comes to town tonight in support of its eighth studio album, Home. (Jeff Niesel), 7 p.m., $29-$49.50. Agora Theatre.
Toronzo Cannon (in the Supper Club)
On the hard-driving “Strength to Survive,” one of many highlights on singer-guitarist Toronzo Cannon’s latest album, The Chicago Way, Cannon sings about how “real life” is getting in the way of his dreams. He describes himself as a “broken man” who can’t look at himself in the mirror. It’s heavy, emotional stuff, and the riveting guitar solos possess a real weight too from the Chicago City Bus Driver who’s became the latest highly rated blues export from the Windy City. (Niesel), 8 p.m., $15 ADV, $18 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.
Falling Stars/Valley Lodge/Happy Chichester
Falling Stars, the indie rock act led by longtime locals Chris Allen and Tim Parnin, put out their debut, Stranded in the Future, last year and have quickly become one of the best groups on the local circuit. The bill also includes Valley Lodge, a terrific indie pop group out of New York that features Cleveland native Dave Hill. Their catchy tune "Go" serves as the theme song to HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Happy Chichester, a singer-songwriter,-multi-instrumentalist and producer from Columbus who's an original founding member of Royal Crescent Mob, Howlin' Maggie and Twilight Singers rounds out the lineup. (Niesel), 8:30 p.m., $10. Beachland Tavern.
SATURDAY, NOV. 10
The Alarm Featuring Mike Peters
Mike Peters and the members of the Alarm — featuring a three-piece version of the current lineup with guitarist James Stevenson (moonlighting on bass for the current tour in place of regular bassist Craig Adams) and drummer Steve “Smiley” Barnard — are knocking down a heavy load of more than 40 dates spread across two months. Last summer, they played shows on the Vans Warped Tour and showed just well they could hang with a younger crowd. Even with only 25 minutes of stage time, Peters and the band barreled through nearly a dozen songs, some condensed, to deliver a rapid-fire overview of both the past and the present for the group. Expect the guys to be in fine form for tonight's show. (Matt Wardlaw), $25 ADV, $30 DOS. Music Box Supper Club.
Jim James/Alynda Segarra
Earlier this year, My Morning Jacket's Jim James announced that he would embark on a solo acoustic concert tour and visit historic theaters and performing arts centers across the states. Tonight's show is part of that tour. Longtime touring drummer David Givan will accompany James, who’ll perform a “career-encompassing repertoire” that includes songs from his new solo album, Uniform Distortion. Hurray for the Riff Raff's Alynda Zegarra will open the shows. One dollar per ticket purchased will go to the Waterfall Project, whose beneficiaries include United for A Fair Economy and National Bail Fund Network. (Niesel), 7 p.m. Agora Theatre.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
When Tedeschi Trucks Band played at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica a few years ago, the band put on a terrific performance. With his long hair tied back into a ponytail, guitarist Derek Trucks stood stationary to the right of singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi during the show and feverishly jammed. On the Allman Brothers Band-like “Keep on Growing,” he effortlessly unleashed one remarkable bluesy solo after another. “Let’s Go Get Stoned” turned into a rowdy sing-along, and Tedeschi showed off her ability to solo on the slow burner, “Sky is Crying.” During the 90-minute set, Trucks ripped into a few Led Zeppelin songs too. Expect a similarly rousing performance when the band rolls into the Akron Civic Theatre tonight. (Niesel) 8 p.m., $39.50-$75. Akron Civic Theatre.
SUNDAY, NOV. 11
Alan Parsons Live Project
At 18 years of age, he was working as an assistant engineer at Abbey Road Studios, where he would be part of the production team for two Beatles albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be, prior to becoming involved with another album which continues to bring him lots of accolades, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. In the wake of those successful endeavors, Parsons launched a solo career that delivered hits such as “Eye in the Sky,” “Games People Play” and “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You.” Expect to hear those tracks and more at tonight’s show that pairs Parsons with songwriter, musician and manager Eric Woolfson. (Wardlaw) 7:30 p.m., $29-$69. Akron Civic Theatre.
Silverstein/Hawthorne Heights/As Cities Burn/Capstan
Back in 2015, post-hardcore act Silverstein celebrated 15 years together with a show in Cleveland that made it seem as if the band was playing "a hometown gig." Tonight, the explosive Ontario-based act is back at House of Blues armed in support of last summer's Dead Reflection. The record proves that singer Shane Told still has his screaming chops on lock, and the band's instrumentation is as tight as ever. Here, Silverstein's searingly emotional lyrics make you feel all of the feelings ... just like back in high school. (Laura Morrison) 7 p.m., $22 ADV, $25 DOS. House of Blues.
