Taylor Hicks Friday

American Idol favorite Taylor Hicks brings his tour to East Greenwich tonight when he performs at the Greenwich Odeum. Since his Idol win in 2006, Hicks has been busy touring, recording, and starring in the national theatrical tour of Grease. He brings a high energy show to the freshly renovated Odeum on Main Street. Tickets start at $28 for the 8PM concert. Details here.

Patty Griffin Saturday

Singer-Songwriter and Grammy winner Patty Griffin makes a rare Providence appearance Saturday night when she plays the Columbus Theatre in the capital city. Griffin, who paid her dues in Boston and now resides in Nashville, has put together a string of great albums in recent years. Arrive early for rising star Joan Shelly, who played the Newport Folk Festival last summer. Good seats are available here for the 8PM show. 

Stone Soup Rocks Saturday

The venerable Stone Soup Coffeehouse is branching out this weekend with a new series called "PVD Unplugged," billed as a showcase of local rock bands. The series begins with well known artists Dean Gardner and Nick Cooper from Public Policy, “Yoon Yung” from The Attending, and Ben Christie, formerly of No Ocean. Music begins at 7PM, tickets are $16 here and available at the door.

(Pictured: Public Policy)

Songwriters at Sandywoods

RISA is an organization of over 150 Rhode Island songwriters dedicated to the art of songwriting. Members perform year-round all over the state and beyond as they develop their craft. Tonight at Sandywoods, RISA President Chuck Williams hosts a showcase featuring the music of  Lisa Couto, Tom Smith, Dawn Kenney, and Grant Maloy Smith. Music begins at 7:30 and tickets are $12 at the door.

(Pictured: Lisa Coutu)

Shemekia Copeland

Grammy nominee and Blues Music Award winner Shemekia Copeland is one the leading voices in modern blues. She put on a terrific show last year opening for Robert Cray at the Park Theatre. Tonight, she brings her band to the Knickerbocker Cafe in Westerly. If you've never seen her live, you're in for a treat. Tickets are $20 for the 8PM show. The Chris Leigh Band opens.