Cooler weather may ensure that the concert season is completely indoors, but there are still plenty of big shows coming to the Charlotte area this fall. New ones get announced all the time, but here's some of what we have on our radar at this point in time:
Sept. 16-17 — Charlotte Sunset Jazz Festival — Pride magazine's annual ode to jazz sounds returns for another two-day celebration, this time boasting Grammy-winning guitarist Earl Klugh and a handful of local acts. Knight Theater and Marshall Park. www.charlottesunsetjazzfestival.com.
Oct. 7 — Joshua James — James rolls into NoDa for a night of solid songwriting and introspective lyrics. He's often compared to artists like Dylan and Neil Young, while his vocal rasp is closer to that of Ray LaMontagne. The Evening Muse. www.theeveningmuse.com.
Oct. 9 — 21st Latin American Festival — Taking place in South Park, this festival brings in diverse acts from across the Spanish-speaking world. From the eclectic rock of Colombian legends Aterciopelados to the fusion of Xperimento, bachata of Gersey Nicolas and Charlotte's Los Tarascos de Michoacán and Fusion Latina. $5. Symphony Park. www.festivallatinoamericano.org.
Oct. 14 — Trey Anastasio — He's been busy with Phish ever since the reunion in 2009, but Anastasio still finds the time to hit the road with his own band. Fans raved about his performance in the same venue last year, so expect more of the same — strong guitar work and jams to fill the night. $39.50. The Fillmore Charlotte. www.fillmorecharlottenc.com.
Oct. 15 — Weedeater — The North Carolina sludge metal band caught national attention last year when vocalist "Dixie" Dave Collins accidentally shot off his big toe. He's still got nine left, so what's stopping them from bringing the bass-driven, heavy grooves and growled vocals back to town? $13-$15. Tremont Music Hall. www.tremontmusichall.com.
Oct. 18 — Gwar/Every Time I Die — They say you should see Gwar live at least once in your life. I recommend bringing old clothes, if you go. Before the bodily fluids get spewed into the audience though, Every Time I Die will bring its blues-infused brand of metal to the stage. $20-$23. Amos' Southend. www.amossouthend.com.
Oct. 19 — Civil Wars — In February, this duo sold out The Evening Muse in short order — 40 tickets were sold before the show was announced by the venue. The harmonies and emotion of Joy Williams and John Paul White are captivating. Sometimes an act doesn't need more than strong vocals and an acoustic guitar. $16.50-$22.50. McGlohon Theatre. www.blumenthalarts.org.
Oct. 21 — Cement Stars EP release, The Bear Romantic, Modern Primitives — There are talented local bands playing all over town on a regular basis. What we like about this concert is the release of the new Cement Stars album in combination with the talent of Harvard singer Jesse Clasen's The Bear Romantic and the no-bullshit rock of Modern Primitives. Good things come in threes. $5-$6. Snug Harbor. www.snugrock.com.
Oct. 22 — Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights — Tyler brings a classic '70s-rock style to life with his own modern touches. The result is a gritty and grungy version that makes you think of bands like Zeppelin, but for the current climate. $8-$12. Double Door Inn. www.doubledoorinn.com.
Nov. 3 — Trombone Shorty — The 25-year-old trombone and trumpet player was born and raised in New Orleans. That nearly says enough about his music, but he also commands a stage with the energy of it. $17-$20. Visulite Theatre. www.visulite.com.
Nov. 4 — The Rogue Nations, Dirty South Revolutionaries, All Rise — It's nights like this that make the Milestone what it is. Charlotte bands playing rock and punk fueled by the crowd in front of them, which in turn feeds the band and a cycle starts until all involved are left in a dirty, beer-soaked, bruised heap on the floor. The Milestone. www.themilestoneclub.com.
Nov. 8 — Foo Fighters — If the return of Dave Grohl and company to Charlotte wasn't a big enough deal on its own, the fact they're bringing Social Distortion with them will surely make many folks happy. Most minds are on the anniversary of Nirvana's landmark album, but this show's not about that. Oh well, whatever, nevermind. $40.55-$62.55. Time Warner Cable Arena. www.timewarnercablearena.com.
Nov. 13 — Chris Robinson Brotherhood — The Black Crowes may be on hiatus, but that doesn't mean front man Chris Robinson is going to sit back and relax. He's hitting the road with this latest solo project, offering the toned-down hippie vibe that defines him. $20. Neighborhood Theatre. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.
