Alison Krauss in Concert at Benedum Center; Primus and Mastodon Play Stage AE (Fri., 6/8/18)

1) She’s got the voice, she’s got the violin, and she’s back. Alison Krauss visits Pittsburgh for a concert at the Benedum Center. Krauss will pack the house, as usual. She is one of the leading performers of bluegrass/country music, with a staggering 27 Grammy Awards so far. And though it may seem as if she’s been around forever, Krauss is only 46 and still very much in her prime. The Decatur, Illinois, native started early, learning the violin in childhood, then releasing an indie album as an early-teen prodigy in 1985. Not long after, she joined the band Union Station and has stayed with them for the duration. Krauss has also done solo work and collaborated with artists ranging from Robert Plant to Yo-Yo Ma. Career highlights? Too numerous to recount—though her rendition of the folk hymn “Down to the River to Pray“ for the 2000 Coen Brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? was a vocal masterpiece; the song remains a favorite among her fans. Krauss’s latest album is last year’s solo release Windy City. Catch her in our city at 7:30 p.m., 237 7th St., Cultural District. (MV)

2) Primus’s Les Claypool is arguably as well known for his prowess on bass as he is for his big personality. The band’s performance of “My Name Is Mud” at Woodstock ’94 is remembered for the audience throwing mud on stage and Claypool’s quip, “You know, when you throw things on stage, it’s a sign of small and insignificant genitalia.” The trio solidified its lineup in 1989 with Larry “Ler” LaLonde on guitar and Tim “Herb” Alexander on drums. Frizzle Fry, their debut, followed in 1990. This lineup released The Desaturating Seven in 2017 and will play Stage AE. Opening is Mastodon, a progressive sludge metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. The band’s 2004 release, Leviathan, was based on the novel Moby-Dick and named album of the year by several music publications. Its latest albums are Emperor of Sand (an LP) and Cold Dark Place (an EP), both released in 2017. The group’s “Sultan’s Curse” bested “Forever” by Pittsburgh-based Code Orange for the Best Metal Performance Grammy this year. JJUUJJUU also opens. Doors open 6 p.m. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. (EC, CM)

3) Bill Toms and Hard Rain with the Soulville Horns will be rockn’ out Excuses tonight. Toms’s slightly raspy, deeply soulful voice and his guitar playing prowess combine with the drums, horns, and rest of the band to create a hot rock sound. Their latest release is Good For My Soul. The band also recorded a recent concert at Club Cafe, so look for a live album or some live tracks to come out sometime in the future. Music begins at 8 p.m. Toms’ next Pittsburgh gig will be at Nied’s Hotel on June 30. 2626 E. Carson St., Southside.

Bill Toms plays some killer lead guitar riffs (c.) while Hard Rain and the Soulville Horns jam on at the Moondog’s Holiday Rock party.

Share on Social Media