Speedy Ortiz
With the Good Life and Oquoaat, 8 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Club Dada, 2720 Elm St., dadadallas.com, $15-$17.
With a sound straight out of the ’90s and a name that references a character in the Love and Rockets comic book series, Speedy Ortiz is one of today's best touring indie rock bands. Singer and guitarist Sadie Dupuis fronts the group with time signatures that are both erratic and catchy. But as audacious as this band sounds, they click so well that it never comes across as clumsy or careless. Speedy Ortiz has riffs that are as energetic and strident as what you hear in Superchunk songs. But as much as this band rocks, there is a melodicism and pop sensibility that makes this music accessible. And like Stephen Malkmus from ’90s indie rock heroes Pavement or Liz Phair, Dupuis’ lyrics are actually worth reading, incorporating a sophisticated sense of wordplay and dark humor. Jeremy Hallock
A Night of Nilsson
8 p.m., Monday, June 13, at The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis St., Dallas, TX 75208, 214-272-8346, thekessler.org, $15-$25.
If Harry Nilsson’s name does not ring a bell, you should definitely watch his documentary Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why is Everybody Talkin’ About Him?). Nilsson was a brilliant songwriter, writing huge hits like “One” for Three Dog Night that have been covered incessantly over the years. He also had one of the most angelic and lyrical voices you will ever hear. In the early 1970s, his career peaked with anthems like “Without You,” as well as odd tracks like “Coconut,” which were interesting precisely because they were so hilariously stupid. Don’t Forget Me: A Night of Nilsson will feature local musicians including Paul Slavens and Salim Nourallah performing his songs at The Kessler Theater (1230 W. Davis St.) at 8 p.m. Monday. The Beatles were huge fans long before anyone had heard his name, and the strength of Nilsson’s songwriting and the sound of his voice have kept his music alive more than two decades after his death. Lucas Buckels
The Funky Knuckles
10 p.m., Monday, June 13, at Sundown at Granada, 3520 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206, 214-823-8305, sundowndfw.com, Free.
The Funky Knuckles have been together for over six years. The fusion jazz band released an album called Meta-Musica in 2014 that climbed to No. 1 on iTunes’ jazz charts on the first day of its release. Together, they Knuckles are a force to be reckoned with. That’s because, individually, they’re all seasoned players who’ve worked with superstars like Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle, Talib Kweli, Puff Daddy and the Polyphonic Spree. H. Drew Blackburn
Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Show
7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 16, at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218, 214-515-6500, dallasarboretum.org, $10-$27.
The Rolling Stones are on tour this year, but they aren't coming anywhere near Texas. In case you missed them on their stop through Dallas last summer, you can still get your Stones fix with Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Show. The tribute band from Shreveport has been around for 15 years and even gotten the real Rolling Stones' stamp of approval. It's possible to mistake lead vocalist and Texas-born Chris LeGrand as the cockney and charismatic Mick Jagger, especially on their covers of "Brown Sugar" and "Under My Thumb." The band's aesthetic is also on point, with LeGrand often sporting ruffled shirts along with a '70s shag cut. With the dedication of the band members to bring the legend of the Rolling Stones to audiences, it's sure to be a satisfying show. Diamond Victoria
After Hours with George Quartz - Last Summer (Live) from George Quartz on Vimeo.
George Quartz10 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, at Double-Wide, 3510 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75226, 214-887-6510, double-wide.com.
When you have an appointment to meet George Quartz, there's necessarily some uncertainty about who will show up. Will you be speaking with Bryan Campbell, the man behind the man George Quartz? Or should you prepare yourself for the flurry of ostrich feathers and blaze of neon light that would appropriately accompany his alter ego? Should you address him as Bryan or George? George Quartz is likely to appear just about anywhere, whether it's on stage performing live music, as a DJ at the next big party, the host at your next karaoke night, on an excursion to the Texas Theater or on your TV. He jokingly says that he has his hands in so many pots because he's a "jack-of-all trades, master of none," but the way he has commanded an audience this spring has hardly been short of masterful. Caroline North
Darius Rucker
With Dan and Shay and Michael Ray, 7 p.m. Friday, June 17 at Gexa Energy Pavilion, 1818 1 Ave., 214-421-1111 or dallaspavilion.org, $32-$51.75.
Darius Rucker is most known for being a member of '90s rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. You know, the band you loved to hate that penned such earworm hits at “Only Wanna Be With You” and “Let Her Cry.” But since Rucker's solo debut in 2002, he's gained a reputation for being a versatile musician, hopping genres between R&B, country and pop rock. His latest release, Southern Style, came out last year as his fourth official country music collection. The EP's first single, "Homegrown Honey," debuted at No. 55 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and was received well by critics for its bright melody and meaningful country twang. Dallas is the first stop on his 2016 tour, Good for a Good Time, which features fellow country acts Dan and Shay and Michael Ray. Pablo Arauz
Rhett Miller
With Corn Mo, 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 17 at The Kessler, 1230 W. Davis St., 214-272-8436 or thekessler.org, $20-$22.
He hasn't lived in Dallas for many years now, but Rhett Miller will always be one of us. Aside from leading this area's favorite band of cowpunks, the Old 97's, he's taken to hosting an assortment of charity shows here and championing a number of hometown talents, such as the O's, Ronnie Fauss and Madison King. He's even a relatively regular presence on the most-listened-to radio station in town, 1310 The Ticket, where he's treated as a conquering (if erstwhile) son. Though his solo recordings were more celebrated by the national press over a decade ago, when he released his fine The Instigator and The Believer LPs, Miller the solo artist still knows how to bring the goods, even if the wannabe buzz-makers don’t fawn as much now as they did back then. The Traveler, a 2015 album Miller recorded with folky supergroup Black Prairie (featuring members of the Decemberists and Bearfoot), is a pleasing collection of poetic love songs that, as well as any of his past offerings, itches the Rollerskate Skinny scratch in all of us. Kelly Dearmore
Local H
7 p.m., Friday, June 17, at Trees, 2709 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75226-1425, 214-741-1122, treesdallas.com, $15.
Local H emerged from the grunge scene in the mid ’90s. Their sophomore album, As Good As Dead, landed them much notoriety with tracks such as “Bound for the Floor” and “High-Fiving MF.” They’ve always been able to find a spot within almost every subgenre of alternative rock. But their latest album, Hey, Killer, does show a heavier side to the duo, edging out other alt-metal bands for the top spot in the game. Founder and vocalist, Scott Lucas, embraces a deeper register alongside more combative lyrics, with newly-crowned drummer Ryan Harding matching wits on tracks such as “The Last Picture Show in Zion.” They’re definitely a band worth checking out, if only to release some of your own angst. DV
The Avett Brothers
8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at Gexa Energy Pavilion, 1818 1 Ave., 214-421-1111 or dallaspavilion.org, $35-$45.
It’s an understatement to say brothers Scott and Seth Avett wear their hearts on their sleeve. The Avett Brothers have bared their trials and tribulations on record and on stages across the world for 16 years, making some of the most honest, sincere and transparent music you’ll hear. That heartfelt songwriting, coupled with folksy bluegrass instrumentation played at a rock 'n' roll pace, earned the band an ever-larger fan base that went from selling out small clubs to stadiums and amphitheaters over the course of a decade. This month, the Avett Brothers release their ninth LP, True Sadness, and it may be their most personal work yet. In a letter Seth wrote announcing the June 24 release date, he mentioned that past songs only revealed versions of the brothers in the music. On True Sadness, he says the curtain has been completely pulled back, as they’ve lost any distinction between their personal lives and their artistry in making the new album. That should make for a truly can’t-miss performance. Mikel Galicia
Selena Gomez
7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave., 214-222-3687 or americanairlinescenter.com, $35-50-$125.50.
With the most followers on Instagram, 83.3 million to be exact, it’s safe to say that Selena Gomez is one of the most beloved pop stars in Hollywood. Her music career has been very prosperous, given that her latest album, 2015's Revival, emulated its predecessor by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart. It's also earned her three No. 1 singles, suggesting that Gomez is an all-but-unstoppable right now. The Texas native is currently on her Revival Tour and Dallas is the next stop. It’s sure to be a show full of nothing but glam, excitement and high energy. Aria Bell
