Vienna Teng at Capitol Ale House
Vienna Teng is part of the wave of Asian-American singer-songwriters who have inundated the music industry lately. You can’t turn around in the music section without seeing one of them standing somberly with their instrument or brooding beside a serene landscape. Like African-American gymnasts, they’re everywhere. Thus, Teng has had to rely on the strength of her talent to discern her style from the throng. So far, that’s been working out for the software engineer-turned-pianist. She’s sold more than 60,000 of her independently released albums and released her first collection for Rounder Records, “Dreaming Through the Noise,” last year. Her work is informed by the singer-songwriters of the ’70s with profound lyrics and pop sensibility. Teng plays at the Capital Ale House Music Hall Thursday, Nov. 15, at 9 p.m. $12-$15. 780-ALES. — Craig Belcher
Leon Russell at Toad’s Place
Popular music wouldn’t sound the same without Leon Russell. A gifted and distinguished pianist, Russell has played with and written songs for the biggest names in rock and soul. Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones have all benefited from an association with Russell. He’s also amassed an impressive discography of his own work, including several acclaimed rock records as well as a country effort under the name “Hank Wilson.” These days, he’s got his own record company (Leon Russell Records) and still quite a bit of song left in him. The white-haired wonder who modestly refers to himself as “Master of Space and Time” plays Toad’s Place Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. $18.50-$30. 648-TOAD. — C.B.
Red Molly at Babe’s of Carytown
The fiery ladies of Red Molly left careers in psychology and acting to make music that sounds like Dixie Chicks meets “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” “I traded in my wedding ring for a shiny 38, ain’t that much ta do for seven years…but practicing my aim,” sings the trio in their murder ballad “Seven Years.” Anticipate acoustic and bluegrass tunes inspired by Aretha Franklin, Hank Williams, Tom Waits and Johnny Cash. The multitalented folk singers wield banjos, mandolins and guitars Thursday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. $8. 355-9330. — Elizabeth Kincaid
David Shultz and Friends at Gallery5
Shultz, no stranger to hyperbole, says that the show he’s “curated” at the gallery is “possibly the most interesting and exciting show ever assembled in Richmond.” Nevertheless, it’s perfectly reasonable to consider what he’s offering. David Shultz and the Skyline headline with their arena-rock-on-a-country-road sound, accompanied by openers The Mason Brothers — who sport lap-steel and space rock in one convenient package — Norfolk pop-country group 1888 and Sarah White, tucking gospel, pop and punk into a sequined outfit, depending on mood. The show is Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. $5. 644-0005. — Brandon Reynolds
