Rascal Flatts predictably unpredictable

Rascal Flatts are becoming a bit predictable.

The pop country group releases an album and it lands at No. 1 — simple.

The Nashville group’s aptly named April release, “Unstoppable,” featuring the hit single “Here Comes Goodbye,” was the latest to follow the formula.

The trio’s bright harmonies will be on full display as it nears the end of its North American stadium tour.

Opening act Darius Rucker used to sing lead for Hootie and the Blowfish, but has now successfully moved into country music.

Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma; $47.75 to $63; ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Paula Cole: Cole’s career went into warp drive in 1997, when the hit song “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” started climbing the charts.

In two years time, she won a Grammy for Best New Artist, played the first Lilith Fair tour, sold 2 million albums and sang the theme song for “Dawson’s Creek.”

Since then, things have cooled off a bit for the singer, whose folksy music falls in that vague genre of adult contemporary.

She will probably play music from her 2007 album, “Courage,” during her stop in Edmonds tonight.

Details: 7:30 tonight, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds; $15 to $35; www.ec4arts.org or 425-275-9595.

Roger McGuinn: The Byrds frontman pops up in some unexpected places.

Last week, McGuinn closed out a California roast of novelist Amy Tan with a performance of “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

This Saturday, he’ll bring his folk-rock to Edmonds.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds; $15 to $30; www.ec4arts.org or 425-275-9595.

The Airborne Toxic Event: It’s no huge shock that singer Mikel Jollett wanted to be a novelist.

His band’s breakthrough hit, “Sometime Around Midnight,” tells a familiar story — a guy runs into his ex at a bar — but delivers lyrical weight that is rare for modern rock radio.

The group, which takes its name from a section of Don DeLillo’s novel “White Noise,” play Seattle before heading to Europe for a monthlong tour.

Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., Seattle; $18; ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.

Ani DiFranco: Don’t let the dreadlocks or nose ring throw you off: DiFranco sings folk.

The singer-songwriter has developed a fervent following since releasing her self-titled 1990 debut.

The Righteous Babe recording artist is touring behind her 2008 album, the lush and roundly praised “Red Letter Year.”

Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $35; stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.

Mika: Overseas, this neon-toned pop singer is a genuine star.

Here though, Mika’s still trying to shine through, even if his sound — a meld of Queen, disco and musical theater — has won over loyal fans.

He sold out the Showbox SoDo during his last visit to Seattle. Count on another high-spectacle performance this Monday as he returns, touring behind his September album, “The Boy Who Knew Too Much.”

Details: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $27.50; stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.