A prom queen with a bloody axe, Jason accessorizing his hockey mask, zombies doing a dainty minuet and drama queens going berserk all are parts of Captain Smartypants’ return to Snohomish County.
With Halloween just around the corner, one of the vocal ensembles of the Seattle Men’s Chorus brings a new show, “Trousers of Terror.”
Organizers warn that the concert may be too scary for small children. Come in costume to win prizes while supporting the Marysville Food Bank as a coffeehouse turns into the Night of the Living Dead. Saturday, Marysville.
Sidekicks, Jeff Knoch: The Sidekicks, a quintet with long roots in the bluegrass community, include Jen Dunton of the Dunton Sisters, founder Barry Brower and fiddle-trophy winner Pete Martin. Singer-songwriter Knoch’s tribute to the people of New Orleans placed second in the Tumbleweed Music Festival songwriting contest. Tonight, Everett.
Rita Coolidge: Two-time Grammy winner with pop and rock pedigrees has long been remembered for her hits “Fever,” “We’re All Alone,” “One Fine Day” and “Superstar.” More recently she’s hit with jazz, a collection of standards in “And So Is Love,” including three songs honoring Peggy Lee. Tonight, Bothell.
Crooked Still: Playing without drums or guitar, the neo-bluegrass group is following in the wake of the now-retired Nickel Creek. “Shaken by a Low Sound” is a terrific recording that will make fans in a heartbeat with a hopped-up version of Bob Dylan’s “Oxford Town” to the quartet’s take on Robert Johnson’s “Come On in My Kitchen” (a gutsy selection since Johnson was a primo blues guitar player). Tonight, Seattle.
Acoustic Africa: Highlighted by guitarist and lead vocalist Habib Koite and vocalist Dobet Gnahore, Acoustic Africa delivers complex rhythms and grooves and inspiring messages about social issues. It’s the first stop on their U.S. tour and will showcase Koite’s rock and classical techniques within local tunings. Tonight, Seattle.
Javon Jackson: If you like sax, check out the Javon Jackson Super Band, touring with solid grooves from “Now.” He started with the saxophone at a young age, worked professionally in local clubs at age 16, and was encouraged by Branford Marsalis to attend the Berklee School of Music. Jackson debuted as a bandleader in 1991. Tuesday snd Wednesday, Seattle.
Melissa Ferrick: Life’s full of breaks, good and bad. For Ferrick, she replaced the opening act for Morrissey with less than an hour before show time. Impressed, Morrissey invited her on the rest of the tour. She’s built up a solid following in the singer-songwriter field with her fierce, vulnerable and funny performances as well as masterful guitar work. Tonight, Seattle.
Umphrey’s McGee: The band’s latest, “Safety in Numbers,” debuted in the 11th spot on the Heatseekers chart. Umphrey’s McGee has been a Rolling Stone band to watch and on the cover of Relix magazine. Wednesday, Seattle.
Katya Chorover, Alice Healey, Kristin Connell: It’s three-for-one night for the Seattle Folklore Society. Chorover combines elements pop, folk, gospel and Americana. Healey (ex-Rodeo Lagoon) has a classically trained voice and folk-flavored pop, country and bluegrass arrangements. Connell won the 2006 Gig Harbor Folk Festival Songwriting and Performance Competition. Saturday, Seattle.
Michael Franti: His band (Spearhead) mixes hip hop with touches of reggae, funk, folk and rock. Franti’s song “Bomb the World,” written after Sept. 11, 2001, has appeared on signs and bumper stickers worldwide. The band’s new album is “Yell Fire!” inspired by a visit to the Gaza Strip, Baghdad and the West Bank. Tonight, Seattle.
Jonny Lang: The Grammy-nominated blues guitarist topped the Billboard New Artist chart at age 15. His newest album, “Turn Around,” showcases a maturing artist with staying power. Saturday, Seattle.
Bruce Hornsby: The three-time Grammy winner draws from jazz, pop, classical, bluegrass, rock and a bit of vaudeville. His latest album is “Halycon Days.” Both a piano and accordion player, the songwriter’s signature song is “The Way It Is”; his two top-five hits were “Mandolin Rain” and “The Valley Road.” Wednesday, Seattle.
Javon Jackson performs Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle.
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