Amadou and Mariam
Tuesday at Park West
Much more than just “that blind married couple from Mali.” See the pair, which proves world music’s ability to be both intelligent and fun, play tracks from last year’s “Welcome to Mali.”
A Camp
Wednesday at Double Door
Cardigans’ singer Nina Persson and her trademark bittersweet lyrics resurface with this seductive pop trio, which released its debut, “Colonia,” in April.
Vieux Farka Toure
Wednesday to Saturday at Hideout
Keep your excitement from Amadou and Mariam going with four chances to see the guitarist son of famed Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure showcase his new record, “Fondo.”
Ravinia Festival
Begins Friday
The ’09 installment of the annual bash runs through Sept. 19. Highlights this month include Gipsy Kings (Saturday) and Indigo Girls (June 26).
The Last Vegas
Friday at Metro
Salute the release of local rockers’ “Whatever Gets You Off,” which proves teeth-gnashing hard rock doesn’t have to be quite as sleazy or as stupid as some of Buckcherry’s lowest moments.
Jenny Lewis
Friday at Park West
It’s pretty tough not to fall for the Rilo Kiley singer, who sings ballads and rocking indies with equal zest.
Anni Rossi
Saturday at Schubas
Local singer-multi-instrumentalist whose strange, beautiful “Rockwell” has been floating around in our mind for months.
St. Vincent
Sunday at Metro, June 8 at Millennium Park
Annie Clark’s new “Actor” is an early front-runner for the most exhilarating album of the year. Don’t get too comfortable during the softer songs; they’re a minefield waiting to blow.
The Steak House Mints
June 8 at Martyrs’
2009 Rock ‘n’ Vote finalists craft sweet, summery orch-pop that deserves a spot in a Paul Thomas Anderson or David O. Russell movie.
Mr. Lif
June 9 at Abbey Pub
Thinking person’s rapper rocks tracks from new “I Heard It Today,” demonstrating that just because someone sounds like they’ve spent time at a library doesn’t mean they take on the world sitting down.
PJ Harvey and John Parish
June 12 at Riviera Theatre
Not the sunniest night out, but a darkly invigorating mood-pop trip with two veteran singer-songwriters.
Phoenix
June 13 at Park West
Pick up French rockers’ just-released “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,” boasting shimmering and shiny grooves that favor energy over pretense. You may have seen them on “Saturday Night Live” with Seth Rogen.
Speck Mountain
June 13 at Bottom Lounge
Local ambient rockers play from the new “Some Sweet Relief,” the sort of wandering fuzz you’ll want in your collection if you ever plan on waking up in the desert with no idea how you got there.
Anthony Hamilton
June 13 at Arie Crown Music Theatre
Men, women, dogs — hell, anyone with ears has to admit: This smooth operator’s got soul.
Metric
June 14 at Metro
Emily Haines and co. are back behind the new “Fantasies,” a stirring and sometimes spacey collection of held tension and purged emotion.
Passion Pit
June 14 at Empty Bottle
If you don’t have fun listening to the Boston band’s peppy new “Manners,” you clearly don’t know how to enjoy yourself.
Patrick Wolf
June 15 at Bottom Lounge
Look for the eccentric British singer’s latest “The Bachelor,” on iTunes Tuesday.
Eric Clapton
June 17 at United Center
You really just can’t argue with this guy’s catalog, his band experiences, his chops or his longevity. So don’t!
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
June 18 at Northerly Island’s Charter One Pavilion
Easily in our top 10 bands we’d want to play at our barbecue.
The Loneliest Monk
June 19 at Schubas
This year’s Rock ‘n’ Vote runners-up put on one of the city’s most unique live performances.
Post Honeymoon
June 19 at Hideout
Local indie rockers celebrate the release of their self-titled debut, an engagingly angry record that doesn’t sound like its members are hitched.
Bon Jovi
June 25 at Marcus Amphitheatre (Summerfest)
Can you name many bands who make better fist-pumping, chorus-shouting summer acts?
Jay Reatard
June 26 at Bottom Lounge
The resilient punk isn’t even 30; why does it feel like he’s been around forever?
Rock the Bells
June 27 at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
The Roots, Nas, Chali 2na, The Knux are just a few highlights at this hip-hop extravaganza.
The Avett Brothers
June 28 at House of Blues
Folk-rock outfit previews songs off “I And Love And You,” which may finally push them into the mainstream.
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mpais@tribune.com
