JUSTIN TAYLOR
Guys with acoustic guitars are a dime a dozen. At their best, they’re unflinchingly honest and vulnerable. At their worst, they’re narcissistic and corny. South African-born singer-songwriter Justin Taylor seems to know this and keeps his sound raw and unproduced and his lyrics simple and genuine. With songs like “Cheesy Little Love Song,” it seems he doesn’t take himself too seriously, either. This show will give his music a mission, with proceeds going to benefit Second Helping, a small business that came out of local charity Changed Choices, which helps put formerly incarcerated women to work. Changed Choices staff member Melissa Mummert opens with original songs about the women she works with. The music may not be clever or cool, but it has a naked genuineness that is admirable and refreshing. $10. July 24, 8 p.m. The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. 704-376-3737.