Night After Night

The ticket: Pop music, Aug. 28, 2016

Steven Tyler, by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

The ticket: Pop music
Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016

XENIA RUBINOS This dependably vital, consistently inventive singer and rapper continues to twist her Afro-Caribbean cultural and musical roots into unexpected and instantly appealing new branches, the likes of which can be heard on her powerful new album, “Black Cat.” Aug. 31, 9 p.m. $12, advance $10. Great Scott. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

KANYE WEST The rapper, producer, media personality, fashion designer, and all-around auteur plants himself in the Garden for an evening, with results certainly to be memorable. Officially this is sold out; realistically, watch for last-minute ticket releases. Sept. 3,  8 p.m. TD Garden. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

THALIA ZEDEK BAND A familiar face, vital voice, and visceral presence in the US indie-rock underground for as long as most of us can remember, Zedek and her excellent working band celebrate the release of their latest creation, the life-affirming “Eve.” Sept. 1, 9:30 p.m. $10. Great Scott. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

STEVEN TYLER WITH THE LOVING MARY BAND Aerosmith’s howler went Nashville on his recently released, wholly respectable solo album, “We’re All Somebody From Somewhere”; now, he pays a visit with the same crack backing combo that accompanied him on the CMA Fest telecast in June. Sept. 4,  8 p.m. $59.95-$149.95. Citi Wang Theatre. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

The week ahead: Aug. 25, 2016

Bent Knee, by Ben Stas for the Boston Globe

The week ahead: Pop & rock
Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016

BLACK SABBATH They say this is our last chance to see three-quarters of the quintessential English heavy-metal band, and you get the sense they’re telling the truth this time. The set list offers no surprises, but think of this as paying your last respects. Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$150. Xfinity Center, Mansfield. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BENT KNEE Newly returned from a successful European tour, bearing a string of glowing press reports, and soon to embark on a stateside jaunt with Dillinger Escape Plan, this artfully emotive/emotively artful sextet shares stirring tunes from its newest album, “Say So.” Aug. 26, 10 p.m. $10. Great Scott. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

XENIA RUBINOS This dependably vital, consistently inventive singer and rapper continues to twist her Afro-Caribbean cultural and musical roots into unexpected and instantly appealing new branches, the likes of which can be heard on her powerful new album, “Black Cat.” Aug. 31, 9 p.m. $12, advance $10. Great Scott. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

The ticket: Pop music, Aug. 21, 2016

Black Sabbath

The ticket: Pop music
Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016

BLACK SABBATH They say this is our last chance to see three-quarters of the quintessential English heavy-metal band, and you get the sense they’re telling the truth this time. The set list offers no surprises, but think of this as paying your last respects. Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. $29.50- $150. Xfinity Center, Mansfield. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BENT KNEE Newly returned from a successful European tour and bearing in its wake a string of glowing press reports, this artfully emotive/emotively artful sextet continues to share stirring tunes from its recent debut release, “Say So.” Aug. 26, 10 p.m. $10. Great Scott. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

THE DRESDEN DOLLS His brief stint in Violent Femmes now concluded, drummer Brian Viglione teams up anew with his longtime creative partner, the singer, songwriter, keyboardist, author, and provocateur Amanda Palmer, in this much-loved punk-cabaret duo. Be prompt: the cheeky, charming queercore duo PWR BTTM plays in support. Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. $20-$44.50. Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

LE1F The out-loud-and-proud New York rapper and producer born Khalif Diouf returns to Cambridge for an evening of fierce fashion and funky-fresh flamboyance, in support of last year’s innovative and infectious “Riot Boi.” Aug. 23, 8 p.m. $15, advance $13. Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge. 617-864-3278, www.ticketweb.com

The week ahead: Aug. 18, 2016

Zac Brown Band, by Josh Reynolds for the Boston Globe

The week ahead: Pop & rock
Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016

ZAC BROWN BAND Though their flag is nominally planted in the country-music world, Brown and his Atlanta cohorts are seasoned hands at reaching across the aisles to invite poptimists, jam-bandsters, and rockers into their party. Saturday’s show is sold out, officially, but tickets to big events like these do tend to materialize at the last minute. Aug. 20 and 21, 6:30 p.m. $41.50-$101.50. Fenway Park. boston.redsox.mlb.com

BILLY JOEL The reigning king of Madison Square Garden pays a return visit to Fenway for the third year running; as in those previous visits, expect tart humor, revealing stories, and hit songs by the dozen. Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. $49.50- $139.50. Fenway Park. boston.redsox.mlb.com

BOSTON FUZZSTIVAL 2016 A bona fide lollapalooza of locals, this two-day, two-stage affair brings a potent lineup of Boston and regional acts. Highlights include Lyres, the Monsieurs, and Dent on Friday, and Weakened Friends, Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Major Stars, Doug Tuttle, and Quilt on Saturday. Aug. 19, 6 p.m. $15. Aug. 20, 2 p.m. $20. Two-day pass $30. Middle East, Cambridge. 617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com

The ticket: Pop music, Aug. 14, 2016

X

The ticket: Pop music
Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016

X Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Billy Zoom, and DJ Bonebrake: Now and always, this simply is one of the very best bands that American music has ever produced, punk or otherwise. The group’s latest trek — “Re-Zoomed,” so called because of guitarist Billy’s recovery from a cancer scare last year — is cause to celebrate, not that you need any excuse. Aug. 15, 9 p.m. $35, advance $33. Brighton Music Hall. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BARONESS + PALLBEARER Two of the strongest combos currently working the heavier end of the stoner/doom spectrum. Baroness, the pride of Savannah, Ga., continues to tour behind its heroic 2015 comeback LP, “Purple”; Little Rock, Ark. quartet Pallbearer is promoting “Fear and Fury,” a characteristically windswept, elegiac new EP. Aug. 16, 8 p.m. Fête Music Hall, Providence. 401-383-1112, www.fetemusic.com

BARBRA STREISAND Distinctive and dynamic at 74, the Brooklyn native with the buttery voice is on the road with “The Music . . . The Mem’ries . . . The Magic,” and early reports suggest she’s transforming cavernous arenas into intimate, chatty soirées featuring three backing singers and a 10-piece band. Talk amongst yourselves. Aug. 16, 8 p.m. $99-$510. TD Garden. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BILLY JOEL The reigning king of Madison Square Garden pays a return visit to Fenway for the third year running; as in those previous visits, expect tart humor, revealing stories, and hit songs by the dozen. Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. $49.50-$139.50. Fenway Park. boston.redsox.mlb.com

The week ahead: Aug. 11, 2016

EPMD, by Simon Abrams

The week ahead: Pop & rock
Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016

EPMD The influential hip-hop duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith is back in business again, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a road trip focused on its classic 1988 debut LP, “Strictly Business.” Aug. 13, 8 p.m. $25, advance $22. Middle East, Cambridge. 617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com

GOLDEN GATE WINGMEN A special treat suited to the lazy, hazy days of deep summer, this all-star quartet reunites former Furthur bandmates John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane with bassist Reed Mathis (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Tea Leaf Green). Aug. 13, 8 p.m. $30, advance $25. Brighton Music Hall. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

L7 Ferocious, snotty, and confrontational, this LA quartet arose during the grunge explosion, hit the charts, and made its mark on the burgeoning riot grrrl movement. The present reunion coincides with a Kickstarter campaign for a documentary about the band, “Pretend We’re Dead.” Aug. 11, 7 p.m. $28, advance $24.50. Paradise Rock Club. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

The ticket: Pop music, Aug. 7, 2016

Drake, by Scott Legato/FilmMagic

The ticket: Pop & rock
Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016

THE GO-GO’S The band fondly tagged during its heyday as “America’s sweethearts” is calling this a farewell tour — which doesn’t mean you’ll never see the group again, but does suggest chances will be few and far between. Aug. 8, 7 p.m. $35-$45. House of Blues. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BELLY Tanya Donnelly and her Belly bandmates reassemble for a summer tour that promises both beloved alt-rock hits and freshly written material. Friday’s show is sold out, but you can still grab tickets for Tuesday. Aug. 9, 7 p.m. $35, advance $32. Royale Boston. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

DRAKE When his latest LP, “Views,” and its lead-off single, “One Dance,” topped their respective charts, this Toronto rapper set a new Billboard record with 20 simultaneous Hot 100 spots. And with the red-hot MC Future setting the stage, count on Drake to bring his A-game. Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m. $45-$145. TD Garden. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

EPMD The influential hip-hop duo of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith is back in business again, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a road trip focused on its classic 1988 debut LP, “Strictly Business.” Aug. 13, 8 p.m. $25, advance $22. Middle East, Cambridge.  617-864-3278, www.mideastclub.com

The week ahead: Aug. 4, 2016

Pearl Jam, by Chad Batka/The New York Times

The week ahead: Pop & rock
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016

PEARL JAM Big hits, deep cuts, surprise guests (Cheap Trick! Sting! Jack White!) — no wonder the current trek by this seasoned Seattle group has been acclaimed far and wide as one of the year’s top tours. Officially these two shows are sold out, but miracles happen and the resourceful have their ways. Aug. 5 and 7, 6:30 p.m. Fenway Park. boston.redsox.mlb.com

YES The art-rock institution plays its first Boston-area show since founder Chris Squire’s death in June 2015. With drummer Alan White sidelined by surgery, it falls to guitarist Steve Howe to rally the troops; happily, the evening’s agenda will feature two albums on which Howe’s influence is strongest, “Tales from Topographic Oceans” and “Drama.” Aug. 4, 8 p.m. $47-$87. Lynn Auditorium, Lynn. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

BOSTON ROCK OPERA Dormant for some years now, the conceptual music-theater troupe comes back to life with “Stardust to Blackstar: The Lives of David Bowie,” a program that ranges from the ascent of Bowie’s star to its premature extinguishment. Aug. 6 and 7, 8 p.m. $20, advance $18. ONCE Lounge & Ballroom, Somerville. 617-285-0167, www.oncesomerville.com

The ticket: Pop music, July 31, 2016

Bryan Ferry, by Zak Hussein/Getty Images

The ticket: Pop music
Sunday, July 31, 2016

BRYAN FERRY The suave English gentleman vocalist is touring with a crack band that includes longtime guitar associate Neil Hubbard, and playing a set list that ranges from the first Roxy Music album to his latest solo LP, 2014’s “Avonmore” along with a choice line in covers. July 31, 7:30 p.m. $24.50-$70. Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. 800-653-8000, www.ticketmaster.com

ALEX G The Philadelphia bedroom-pop auteur made his leap to the comparatively big leagues with the release of “Beach Music” on the Domino label last yearcq; happily, his lo-fi idiosyncracy and signature intimacy remained blissfully intact. Aug. 1, 8 p.m. $18, advance $15. ONCE Lounge & Ballroom, Somerville. 617-285-0167, www.oncesomerville.com

JAMES TAYLOR + JACKSON BROWNE Given his triumphal Fenway debut last summer, it’s no surprise to see Taylor back for another round this season. Nor is it shocking to note that tickets for this show, which features fellow songman Browne in support, became scarce many moons ago. Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. $50.50-$130.50. Fenway Park. boston.redsox.mlb.com

G-EAZY & LOGIC It’s not your hip uncle’s “Endless Summer” tour, but this could be the season’s most potent hip-hop package. The marquee names are filling the seats, but don’t sleep on support acts Yo Gotti and YG; the latter’s election-cycle protest song “FDT” — work it out, we’ll wait — is among this year’s runaway hits. Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. $29.50-$79.50. Xfinity Center, Mansfield. 800-653-8000, www.livenation.com

The week ahead: July 28, 2016

Garbage

The week ahead: Pop & rock
Thursday, July 28, 2016

GARBAGE Having celebrated their 20th anniversary on tour last fall, Shirley Manson & Co. return to town in support of a strong, dark new album, “Strange Little Birds,” with Kristin Kontrol (Dee Dee of Dum Dum Girls) in support. July 28, 8 p.m. $45, $55. House of Blues. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

FIFTH HARMONY A modern-day girl group originally assembled for “The X Factor,” Fifth Harmony proved with its latest LP, “7/27,” that there’s still plenty of potential for creativity in radio-friendly pop. Turn up in time for Foxborough native JoJo, appearing in support and likely showing off fresh songs. July 28, 7 p.m. $19.50-$59.50. Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

COLDPLAY The British band has been taking requests for what’s been reported as its final concert trek before an indefinite hiatus — no song too obscure! — and previous stops have featured surprising guests like Michael J. Fox. Alessia Cara and Foxes appear in support. July 30, 7 p.m. Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. $29.50-$179.50. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com