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J Boog

Remember B2K? This guy is not him (note the hyphen difference). Compton-born and of Samoan descent, J Boog’s hometown and strong ties to his family are two of many of his musical influences. This combination of authentic Island music and genuine Jamaican reggae centered on the recurring theme of love shows his early love for Bob Marley, one that sparked his entire career. In 2004, he met George “Fiji” Veikoso, another artist who blends reggae and R&B, and was inspired to move to Hawaii and link up with Wash House record label.
Thursday, Feb. 13, at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, 8 p.m., $13-15.

Sharp 9 (+ Hush Machine + Natural Highlights)

Dear world, this is shameless self-promotion. If you like my writings, you might just like my singing too. Sharp 9 is a local funk band with jazz and hip hop elements composed of just about the coolest people in LFK: Joel Bonner on guitar, Jordan Coke on bass (and vocals), Tim Clark on keyboard, Rayyan Kamal on trumpet (and dropping sweet rhymes), K.R. Azad on drums, Leslie Butsch on saxophone, and the three vocalists, Nathan Nickel, Himal Sherchan, and Nadia Imafidon (me). If you’re looking for a soulful Valentine’s Day, this is literally the only place to be. Mention this promotion and I’ll dedicate a song to you (or give you a high five). Hush Machine and Natural Highlights will open.
Friday, Feb. 14, at Jackpot Music Hall, 943 Massachusetts St., 10 p.m., $3.

Lady Antebellum [KANSAS CITY PICK]

This female-fronted, co-ed Nashville trio formed in 2006, and made the mainstream ranks with their second album title track “Need You Now” selling four million copies. They’re now touring to support fourth studio album, Golden, their inspiring mandolin-laced single “Compass” in the top 10 of several country charts. Last year, Lady Antebellum hosted more than one million fans in 11 countries on their first headlining world tour, which earned them Billboard Touring’s “Breakthrough Award” and CMA’s “International Artists Achievement Award.” Young grammy-winning country star Kacey Musgraves will be opening for the trio at Sprint Center.
Saturday, Feb. 15, at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Boulevard, $41.50-96.50.

Mime Game

Kansas City, four-piece alternative band Mime Game just released a four-song EP called Do Your Work, recorded in Los Angeles with Rick Parker (Dandy Warhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Jewel, Sugar Cult) and partially recorded at Scott Weiland’s (Stone Temple Pilots) studio. The title track lyrics inspired by the last words of a friend who passed away is a song meant to inspire those in downtrodden times about never giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. An EP full of universally applied lyrics, Mime Game speaks on life, love and the struggles along the way. Check out the sweet music video to accompany fourth track, “Do You”. They will be joined by Aaah! Real Monsters and Sweet Ascent.
Saturday, Feb. 15, at Jackpot Music Hall, 943 Massachusetts St., 10 p.m., $5.

Ballyhoo!

For the Winter BrewHaha tour, Baltimore’s Ballyhoo! is bringing reggae-infused ska-leaning punk rock music to the Bottleneck. Their single “No Good” off latest LP Pineapple Grenade has received much attention following the release of dark, gritty music video shot fittingly in black and white by Wes “Wuz Good” Armstrong (B.o.B., T-Pain, Flo Rida). The song has even received some spins on 96.5 The Buzz in Kansas City. They’ve crafted a unique sound with lead singer and guitarist, Howi Spangler delivering slick lyrics with his smooth voice, drummer Donald “Big D” Spangler laying out the hard-hitting beats, and JR Gregory’s funky bass lines. Scott Vandrey (aka DJ Blaze) brings it all together on the turntables and keys.
Tuesday, Feb. 18, at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, 9 p.m., $16-19.