Matt Jones & the Reconstruction and Chris Bathgate // Woodruff’s / Aug. 24

by Mary Simkins

Ypsilanti-based musician Matt Jones is having a birthday party at Woodruff’s in Ypsilanti on August 24 and is bringing his friends Chris Bathgate, The High Strung and Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful.  Also invited?  You!  Five dollars for a night of great local music seems like a party worth attending.

Musician and songwriter Matt Jones has developed quite the fan base—and rightly so.  Ryan Allen of Detour describes Jones as “perhaps one of our state’s best examples of nimble-finger guitar plucking and delicately sung laments.” Matt Jones’s latest album “The Black Path” is available for purchase on iTunes, and several songs can be heard at www.myspace.com/mattspainting.

Local favorite Chris Bathgate is sure to add a special performance to the evening and add to the already considerable songwriting talent present at the event. If you live in the Washtenaw area and still don’t know Bathgate, push aside that rock you’re living under and visit www.chrisbathgate.org.

Doors are at 8 p.m. and music starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $5. 21 and up.

Bright Eyes // The Majestic // Aug. 25

by Paul Kitti

If I could go back in time to the sixties, one of the first things I would do is compose a list of artists that I absolutely have to see—at least once. Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would be obvious inclusions. I’d be crazy if I were granted the privilege of going back in time and I squandered the chance to see these legendary acts. It would be as crazy as living in present time and missing out on Bright Eyes.

Initially labeled the new Bob Dylan, Conor Oberst, who created Bright Eyes as a solo project when he was only 15, has since justified the comparison while also establishing himself as a unique and influential voice in not just the world of indie singer-songwriters, but in modern pop culture. He clings to his independent label when major labels are a signature away. He spreads his creativity across several side projects and has experimented with electronic, country and punk rock sounds. He disappears to Mexico then shows up at political rallies. His behavior has always ran perpendicular to what is expected from modern music stars, but seems to be right in line with what will be expected from future spotlight artists. And decades from now, when someone asks if you ever had the chance to see the legendary Bright Eyes, you can tell them all about it.

Bright Eyes will be performing at 8 p.m. on August 25 at the Majestic in Detroit. Tickets are $30.

Raekwon // Saint Andrew’s / Sept. 1

by Aimee Mandle

With the release of his controversial fifth solo album, “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang” in March 2011, Raekwon has once again established himself as a staple performer in the hip hop industry. Raekwon kicked off his career in 1993 as one of the members of the Wu-Tang Clan. Since then, he has put out five solo albums, contributed to five Wu-Tang albums and collaborated and made countless appearances on other artists’ records.

With his latest work, Raekwon went back to his roots in response to Wu-Tang Clan’s last album “8 Diagrams,” departing far from their recognizable sound. “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang” was originally intended to be a Wu album but instead became Raekwon’s fifth studio release without the input from RZA.

Raekwon will be performing at Saint Andrews Hall alongside Ghost and Mobb Deep on September 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

TV on the Radio // St. Andrew’s / Sept. 2

by David Nassar

Few bands over the past ten years have been able to blend genres with the same success as the Brooklyn-based quartet known as TV on the Radio.  Combining elements of rock, soul, punk and electronica, TV on the Radio have become a favorite of critics and have built a devoted fan-base over the years.

When their 2008 album, “Dear Science,” was named album of the year by just about every critic out there, it seemed that everything for TV was coming up roses. However, with the 2011 release of “Nine Types of Light” followed a week later by the death of their long-time bassist, Gerard Smith, the band was forced to cancel some shows, including one in Detroit, as they mourned the loss of their friend. But, with Jaleel Bunton now filling in for Smith, TV on the Radio is returning to Detroit to play at St. Andrew’s Hall on September 2. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are still available, starting at $30.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals // St. Andrew’s / Sept. 8

by Amanda Slater

From a show-stopping performance at this year’s Lollapalooza to a recently released critically acclaimed album, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals has been one of the latest “it” bands. The band is made up of Grace Potter (its dynamic frontrunner, who is not only a talented lead vocalist but also plays multiple instruments), Scott Tournet (who plays guitar and harmonica), Matthew Burr (drummer), Catherine Popper (bass and vocals) and Benny Yurco (electric guitar and vocals).

Originally formed in 2002 by Burr and Potter, the group independently released an album entitled “Nothing but the Water” in 2005 (which followed Potter’s 2004 solo album, “Original Soul”). Since then, they’ve steadily gained in popularity. In 2005, they were nominated in two categories at the Boston Music Awards, and in 2006 they won the Jammy Award for “Best New Groove” and were nominated for two Boston Music Awards. They have had songs featured in shows such as One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy and on the soundtrack for Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.” When the band released their third studio recording (self-titled) in June 2010, it peaked at No. 5 on iTunes Top 100 Albums, and #2 on iTunes Rock Albums chart, with two tracks ranking in iTunes Top 100 Rock Songs chart.

At 7 p.m. on September 8, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals will bring their fierce energy to Saint Andrews in Detroit. Tickets are available, starting at $20.

Tiesto // EMU Convocation Center / Sept. 16

by Aimee Mandle

Whether it’s producing for other artists or creating his own unique brand of music, Netherlands-based DJ, Tiësto, has been an active member of the electronic dance genre for the better part of 17 years. As a versatile musician, he has worked with artists such as Tegan & Sara, Three 6 Mafia,  Sigur Rós, Nelly Furtado and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs – just to name a few. Tiësto has also nabbed a Grammy nomination, multiple MTV awards and even played at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games opening ceremony. If you’re ever curious about what he looks like, hop on a plane and fly over to Amsterdam to check out his wax statue at Madame Tussauds. Tiësto also holds as a fan favorite with over 130 million hits on YouTube and over 7 million followers on Facebook.

Recently, he wrapped up his 15 month Kaleidoscope World Tour after playing across six continents for millions of people. The overwhelming success of the tour became apparent when it was nominated for two 2010 Billboard Touring Awards and listed as one of Billboard’s Top 25 biggest grossing touring acts in 2010. Tiësto will be performing on September 16 at the EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti. The show begins at 7 p.m. with ticket prices starting at $39.

Toro y Moi // Magic Stick / Sept. 19

by Aimee Mandle

With humble beginnings as a lo-fi bedroom project in 2007, Chazwick Bundick began his musical ventures as Toro y Moi, meaning “the bull and me.” Since then, the South Carolina native has made several changes to his sound, which now resides somewhere between electro-pop and chillwave.

Toro y Moi has released two studio albums, “Causers of This” and “Underneath the Pine,” which were both well received by critics for their distorted synth beats with melodic pop vocals. Bundick has also put out six EPs, two demos, multiple remixes for other musical acts and a side project entitled “Sides of Chaz.” Bundick’s latest EP, “Freaking Out,” will be released September 13, featuring a cover of Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle’s “Saturday Love.”

Toro y Moi will be performing on September 19 at the Magic Stick in Detroit. The show begins at 8 p.m., with ticket prices starting at $12.

The Dodos // Blind Pig / Sept. 20

by Amanda Slater

Meric Long and Logan Kroeber are the Dodos—a duo known for introspective melodies and alternative approach to instrumentation. While Kroeber plays a drum kit that is lacking a bass drum (often playing on the rims of the drums) and also plays a tambourine taped to his shoe, the band often introduces a third member during live performances who plays a vibraphone, a drum and two symbols fashioned into a hi-hat.

Founded in 2005, the duo recently released their fourth full-length album, “No Color,” in March 2011, featuring the song “God” and boasting contributions from Neko Case. (The album peaked at No. 70 on U.S. charts.)

At 9 p.m. on September 20, the Dodos will be visiting the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $13 in advance (can be purchased at blindpigmusic.com) and $15 on the day of the show. 18 and up.