Chris Brown isn’t just a singer — he’s a tabloid-making machine.
The pop star, once heralded as the second coming of Michael Jackson, has since become a poster boy for R&B’s reckless side. The past couple years alone have found him in the news for going to drug rehab and anger management, using homophobic slurs, and taking a couple of trips to jail.
Yet he still can boast — and boast he does — of successes, like his latest album, “X,” debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in September, and a Grammy nomination for that same album.
Now, he’s headed to the Tacoma Dome at 7 p.m. Saturday,as he tours behind “X,” which featured hit singles including “Loyal” and “New Flame.” He’ll serve as the headliner for the show that also features Schoolboy Q, Tyga and Kurupt.
Tickets are $47.64 to $142.60 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
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In a very different vein, The Piano Guys will bring their classical music mash-ups to the Paramount Theatre for shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
The group won the “Internet sensation” label thanks to its skilled musicianship and slick marketing. Made up of a cellist, a pianist, a videographer and a producer, the collective aimed to, as it says on its Web site, “make a positive impact in the lives of people all over the world through music videos.”
To some extent, mission accomplished. The group’s innovative instrumental covers and clever videos have won its YouTube channel over 3 million subscribers and many more casual fans.
Meanwhile, its current globetrotting tour will find it playing historic U.S. venues like Carnegie Hall in New York and Red Rocks in Colorado, along with visits overseas to Paris, Vienna and London.
The group is touring behind its third album, “Wonders,” which reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and features a decades-spanning medley of Batman themes, “Batman Evolution.” Fans at the Seattle shows may also get to hear some of the group’s holiday music from its 2013 album, “A Family Christmas.”
Tickets are $35.75 to $121.25 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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The Moore Theatre, meanwhile, will host indie rock act tUnE-yArDs at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The musical project of frontwoman Merrill Garbus, tUnE-yArDs ecletic take on pop has won critical respect. The act topped the Village Voice’s influential year-end Pazz and Jop list in 2011, joining the ranks of Bob Dylan, Kanye West and Outkast.
Those critical write-ups have gradually translated into commercial success. The act’s most recent album, “Nikki Nack,” reached No. 27 on the Billboard 200.
Tickets are $22.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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Finally, emo-punk fans can head to the Showbox at 7:30 p.m. Monday for a triple bill featuring Saves the Day, Say Anything and Reggie and the Full Effect.
The bouncing pop of Saves the Day helped the group score a string of minor hit albums in the last decade. The group is touring now behind its self-titled seventh album.
Say Anything courts many of the same fans as Saves the Day, but is known for a slightly more ambitious take on emo. The group, led by frontman Max Bemis, is touring now behind the autobiographical album “Hebrews.”
Finally, Reggie and the Full Effect — the show’s opener — has a cult following for its oft-kilter, often funny, emo punk anthems. Its latest album was 2013’s “No Country for Old Musicians.”
Tickets are $23.50 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
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