Frédéric Yonnet at the Canal Club
At age 19, jazz musician Frédéric Yonnet got sick of lugging around his drum set and switched to an instrument with fewer inconveniences: the harmonica. Since then, he’s been blowing people away (har-har) with his interpretations of classic and contemporary jazz, proving the harmonica can go beyond the hands of country bumpkins or children lacking electronic entertainment. Yonnet was born in Normandy, France, but he infuses his music with what he calls an “Afropean spice,” combining African, Latin and European sounds. Yonnet performs at the Canal Club on Tuesday, Aug. 14., at 7 p.m. $10-$15. 643-1972. — Sarah Mogin
The Yardbirds at Captial Ale House
The Yardbirds have an epic and troubled past. As a unit, they never really made it to the same level of stardom as other acts during the British Invasion, but some of rock’s biggest names got their start in the band. Sure, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck probably could have made it big through sheer talent alone, but The Yardbirds served as their springboard — even if the band later faded into obscurity. Creative differences aside, the current Yardbirds have been tooling around since 1992. While only two of the original members — Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty — remain in the band, The Yardbirds still retain the groundbreaking sound that put them head and shoulders above the pack in 1965. The Aug. 11 show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 780-2537. — Colby Rogers
Alison Krauss and Union Station at Richmond Coliseum
Landing her first record deal at age 14, Midwesterner Alison Krauss has fiddled and sung her way to country/bluegrass stardom. Krauss teamed up with Union Station early in her career, won a bunch of Grammys and performed on the oh-so-successful “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack. Performing alongside Krauss is fellow Grammy-winner Jerry Douglas, who also played on “O Brother.” Krauss plays the Richmond Coliseum Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 8 p.m. $39-$48.50. Call 262-8100 or visit www.richmondcoliseum.net. — Sarah Mogin
Steve Carter Connextion at the Tobacco Company
If your idea of relaxation is sitting on breezy screened porches sipping mojitos and listening to the Dave Matthews Band, you’ll be more than happy with Steve Carter Connextion. Consisting exclusively of graduates or students of VCU, the band has a professional and mature sound that extends beyond the members’ collectively young age. Steve Carter claims influence from headliners such as Soulive, John Mayer and Modern Groove Syndicate — and it shows. At the Tobacco Company Aug. 10-11 at 9:30 p.m. Free. Call 782-9555 or visit www.thetobaccocompany.com — Colby Rogers
Lyfe Jennings at Kanawha Plaza
Following a 10-year jail sentence for arson, Lyfe Jennings emerged in 2002 eager to perform. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jennings made himself known at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, where he charmed audiences with only an acoustic guitar in hand. Two years later, Jennings released his first album, the soulful “Lyfe 268-192,” followed by 2006’s “The Phoenix,” a hip-hop-heavy sophomore effort. Jennings plays Fridays at Sunset Aug. 10 at 8:30 p.m. $20-$25. Call 644-8515 or visit www.fridaysatsunset.com. — S.M.
The Crawdaddies at Capital Ale House
The Crawdaddies bill themselves as “a mix of zydeco, blues, roots rock and ska,” which means they play real fast, but from the heart. Much like Cajun music itself, the Crawdaddies have crafted an upbeat, slice-of-life style from a blend of musical influences. Catch a dash of Creole spice at the Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall Friday, Aug. 10, at 9 p.m. $6. Call 780-2537 or visit www.capitalalehouse.com. — C.R.
The Wiggles at the Richmond Coliseum
Kids love them for their catchy songs and their onstage antics. Parents may be less than thrilled after the 45th exposure. Either way, the brightly colored quartet of Australian entertainers brings a day of candy-coated fun to the Richmond Coliseum. “Racing to the Rainbow Live” has the entire gang setting out on their “most colorful adventure to date” as they go on a journey that will “stretch imaginations to the end of the rainbow.” Plus, Captain Feathersword — the “friendly pirate” — has been known to do impressions for the parents. Now isn’t that a comforting thought? The Wiggles come to Richmond Thursday, Aug. 9, at 3 and 6:30 p.m. $18-$35. Call 262-8100 or visit www.richmondcoliseum.net. — C.R.
