Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, July 26
Rapper and brand-spankin'-new father Wiz Khalifa may be one of the most likable characters on the hip-hop scene. Not only is he responsible for that super-catchy "Black and Yellow" earworm -- an homage to his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers -- but he's also responsible for schleppin' around his son's diaper bag, which he does proudly.
Even with a new album that dropped in April, O.N.I.F.C., and this massive "Under the Influence of Music" tour" featuring A$AP Rocky and a bunch of other big hip-hop names, Wiz still finds time for his share of the diaper duty, flying mama and baby out on the weekends while on tour. It's too awesome for words, so we'll just forgive his penchant for fur coats and Cruella de Vil hair in return. Also with B.o.B, Joey Bada$$, Pro Era Burner, Chevy Woods and Smoke DZA. ANGELICA LEICHT
The Mighty Orq Shakespeare Pub, July 26
As dependable a performer as you could ask for, The Mighty Orq is usually not hard to find, averaging two or three gigs a week when he's not out of town. A multiple Houston Press Music Award winner for both his guitar talents and his blues mojo, Orq has actually been traveling recently behind new album Soulful City, a love letter to both Houston's rich blues legacy and the steely Resonator guitar with which he crafted it. CHRIS GRAY
Adam Ant Warehouse Live, July 27
Always a pop-minded performer and consummate singles artist, Adam Ant has had a more fearless and confounding career than almost anyone else associated with New Wave. Announcing "ridicule is nothing to be scared of" on 1981's "Prince Charming," he's brushed up against the line between commercial-minded music and something much much more avant-garde too many times to mention, whether post-punk ("Kings of the Wild Frontier") or hip-hop ("Ant Rap").
Still, he may have topped himself with Adam Ant Is the BlueBlack Hussar Marrying the Gunner's Daughter, a concept album (obviously) that doesn't necessarily need to be understood to be appreciated for its bluesy textures and Ant's Iggy-esque slither. With Prima Donna. CHRIS GRAY
Brad Paisley Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, July 28
Let's look past that little hiccup known as "Accidental Racist," LL Cool J and Brad Paisley's poorly-advised but well-intentioned equality plea that dropped earlier this year, and glance at the bigger picture for a moment. Even with that little snafu, Paisley is an amazing artist and one hell of a guitar player who has collaborated with everyone from Reba McEntire to Dolly Parton over the years.
Oh, and that song, "I'm Still a Guy," is too anti-bro awesome for words, with its blatant rejection of the manscaped culture. It's country as all get-out, and thank God for that, because country -- real country -- is what Paisley does well. With Chris Young, Lee Brice and The Henningsens. ANGELICA LEICHT
