Monday, July 30: Rod Stewart with Stevie Nicks @ Bradley Center, 7:30 p.m. ($49.50 – $149.50)
Though he may not be getting as many takers these days when he lyrically offers up his sexy body, Rod Stewart can by all accounts still bring it live. And Stevie Nicks’ smokey, sensual voice only seems to get more sultry and enigmatic with age. Expect plenty of crowd-pleasing, stage-sharing duets as these two legends team up. (1001 N. 4th St., BradleyCenter.com)
Also: Jerry Joseph and The Jackmormons with Walter Salas-Humara @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m. ($10)
(1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
Wednesday, August 1: Vans Warped Tour featuring Rise Against, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Senses Fail and more @ Marcus Ampitheater, 11 a.m. ($32.50)
The Vans Warped Tour started nearly two decades ago as an independent showcase of anti-establishment punk bands and off-the-radar extreme sports (well, as independent as a festival named after a major corporate sponsor can be). The corporate sponsorships have grown, the extreme sports have become mainstream, and the band lineup has steadily grown less impressive, but the Warped Tour still gives you the opportunity to see dozens of different bands in a single day, including highlights like Rise Against and The Used. (vanswarpedtour.com)
Thursday, August 2: Sharon Van Etten + Tennis with Yellow Ostrich @ Turner Hall, 7 p.m. ($12/$14)
Brooklyn-based songstress Sharon Van Etten has been an indie darling ever since she started making people cry with her beautiful and melencholy 2009 debut Because I Was In Love. Her latest album, Tramp, is a more self-assured, confident take, while still keeping her haunting vocals front and center. Though this is billed as a double-headliner show (Van Etten and Tennis), it could easily be considered a triple with New York-by-way-of-Wisconsin-based Yellow Ostrich opening the night. (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Mary Chapin Carpenter @ Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s Northern Lights Theater, 8 p.m. ($30-$45)
(1721 W. Canal St., PaysBig.com)
Friday, August 3: Altos @ Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise, 9 p.m. ($19)
Is there anything that can’t be made infinitely cooler just by taking place on a boat? This concept for sure applies to the art of drinking beer and listening to incredible music. This installment of the popular Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise features the abstract orchestral brilliance that is Altos. (101 W. Michigan St., MKEBoat.com)
Also: Get Rad with The Pervert Preachers, Kamikazi Kicks, Criminal Kids and Violent Affair @ Quarter’s Rock ‘N Roll Palace, 8 p.m. ($10)
(900 E. Center St.)
Also: Call Me Lightning with River City Tanlines, Sugar Stems and Whatever Brains @ Linneman’s, 9 p.m. ($5)
(1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
Also: Boston with Starship @ BMO Harris Pavilion, 7:30 p.m. ($29 – $51.50)
(200 N. Harbor Dr.)
Also: Dead Man’s Carnival @ Miramar Theatre, 9 p.m.
(2844 N. Oakland Ave., TheMiramarTheatre.com)
Saturday, August 4: Blind Pilot with River City Extension @ Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. ($16/$18)
There is certainly no shortage of bearded indie folk rockers making their way across the country right now, but Portland’s Blind Pilot sets itself apart by creating subtle, but expansive soundscapes that seem to propel singer Israel Nebeker’s vocals to unprecedented heights. (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Sat. Nite Duets with Icarus Himself, The Fatty Acids and Faux Fir @ Linneman’s, 9 p.m. ($5)
(1001 E. Locust St., Linnemans.com)
Also: Neon Trees with Shiny Toy Guns @ Wisconsin State Fair, 8 p.m.
(640 S. 84th St., wistatefair.com)
Also: Barry Manilow @ Milwaukee Theatre, 8 p.m. ($54.99 – $174.99)
(500 W. Kilbourn Ave., MilwaukeeTheatre.com)
Also: The Invaders @ Milwaukee Boat Line Concert Cruise, 9 p.m. ($19)
(101 W. Michigan St., MKEBoat.com)
MUSIC NOTES SHOW OF THE WEEK
Sunday, August 5: The Tallest Man On Earth with Strand Of Oaks @ Pabst Theater, 7 p.m. ($20)
It’s amazing how much emotion and artistry can come pouring out of a single man and his guitar. In a true troubadour style, The Tallest Man On Earth (Kristian Matsson earned the name based upon the strength of his live performances) employs little more than six strings and a pair of vocal cords to produce some of the most gorgeous, thought-provoking music being made today. The brilliant Strand Of Oaks opens. (144 E. Wells St., PabstTheater.org)
Also: Crosby, Stills & Nash @ Riverside Theater, 7 p.m. ($45 – $65)
(116 W. Wisconsin Ave., PabstTheater.org)
Also: The Turtles with Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams @ Wisconsin State Fair, 7 p.m. ($25 – $35)
(640 S. 84th St., wistatefair.com)
