VAAN Artists’ Studio Tour ♦ June 8-9

The Visual Arts Alliance of Nashville (VAAN) invites art lovers into the studios of 50 local artists during its third annual self-guided tour, noon-6 p.m. June 8 and 9. The Saturday tour takes in studios in northern and eastern areas of town, including stops at Madison Arts Center, where 11 artists maintain studios, as well as the studios of sculptors Alan LeQuire, Sydney Reichman and Steve Benneyworth, outsider artist Helen Lewis and photographer Kacky Fell, to name just a few. On Sunday, you can visit studios to the south and east, including those housed in the Fugitive Art Center and the Chestnut Building near Greer Stadium. You can also see works by participating artists at the preview party, 6-9 p.m. June 7 at Watkins College of Art and Design. Tour tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, which breaks down to just pennies per stop. Tickets are available in advance at Madison Art Center, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts Gift Shop, Hatch Show Print and at the preview party. On Saturday, pick up your tickets at Madison Arts Center and Hatch Show Print; on Sunday, buy them at the Fugitive and the Chestnut Building.

—A.W.

Picks written by Todd Anderson, Martin Brady, Doug R. Brumley, David Cantwell, Chris Davis, Paul Griffith, Jonathan Marx, Noel Murray, Margaret Renkl, Jim Ridley, William Tyler, Angela Wibking and Ron Wynn.

Thursday, 6th

Will Kimbrough/Matthew Ryan/Steve Forbert/Bobby Bare Jr. It’s hard to imagine a more exciting lineup of folk-rock talent than this foursome appearing at Bluebird Cafe. From the taut, raspy folk-pop of Forbert to the raucous second generation country-rock eccentricity of Bare (the latter soon to be even barer on a new acoustic record), with the sprightly tunesmithery of Kimbrough and the brooding intensity of Ryan thrown in, this show is practically a primer on masterful “new Nashville” songwriting. Try to shoehorn yourself into the back of the room, if possible.

—N.M.

Harry Connick Jr. He’s been a bluesy pianist, sentimental crooner and a successful actor, but Harry Connick Jr. would probably really prefer to be a light jazz soloist and bandleader, a quasi-Nat King Cole Jr. for the 21st century. He’s enjoyed his greatest popularity singing pre-rock standards and show tunes, crooning and embellishing the lyrics of “Fly Me to the Moon” over a lush orchestra or roaring big band. Connick will be appearing at the Grand Ole Opry House for another of his major productions with a large orchestra.

—R.W.

David Baerwald David Baerwald spent more time in the ’90s composing movie songs and film scores than he did creating the savvy and dissolute character sketches that first established him as one half of the duo David & David. Now, on the heels of his “Come What May,” from Moulin Rouge, being nominated for a Golden Globe, he returns with a new band (and a forthcoming album, Here Comes the New Folk Underground), playing songs as savvy and dissolute as ever but wielding newly soulful pop arrangements that hint at hope. Baerwald plays at 12th & Porter Playroom. Singer-songwriter Abra Moore, formerly of Poi Dog Pondering, opens.

—D.C.

The Kevin Max Band Prosperity Christianity is the offensive—and self-serving—belief that “living right” has its manifest rewards in the material world. Not to mention the most specious effect it has of demonizing poverty and transforming those in need into those to be feared and resented. Which is why I inherently doubt the sincerity of Kevin Max’s music. And when you consider the staggering amount of money spent on promoting this awful, imitative music—publicists, color posters, teams of stylists, wardrobe consultants, etc.—rather than on acts of kindness, it becomes clear that Max is a mannequin and a simulacrum with a crass, egoist agenda. Don’t go see the Kevin Max band play at Slow Bar. Save yourself and buy a Danielson Famile CD instead.

—C.D.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones/Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe Bela Fleck’s ensemble truly embody the definition of eclectic, mixing in jazz-influenced romps alongside bluegrass breakdowns, rock and funk licks, even the occasional avant-garde or classical piece. Denson’s Universe are both a great jam/groove unit and an accomplished straight jazz crew, able to keep a crowd dancing without sacrificing artistic ambition or instrumental verve. The music begins at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park.

—R.W.

Friday, 7th

Little Milton It’s mind-boggling to think that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Little Milton’s signing to Sun Records and his subsequent debut as a churning guitar soloist working under Ike Turner’s supervision. Milton’s ’60s singles for Chess and ’70s sides for Stax rank among the finest soul/blues mixes ever, sporting gut-wrenching singing and shearing licks and riffs. He’s still a dependable entertainer, even if he’s never reached those heights during his years with Malaco. Milton returns to Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar tonight. Opening the show are the always reliable Stacy Mitchhart and Blues U Can Use.