Friday, June 22

What: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Where: Tennessee Theatre

When: 8 p.m.

Price: $27—$37

Preston’s Take: Grace Potter live sounds like a new-age Tina Turner mixed in with an essence of Janis Joplin and a twist of Koko Taylor, and with the Nocturnals behind her, the show is sure to be a good time. If you like multi-instrumental ensembles and a beautiful voice, then Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is the only show you need to see on Friday. The price is steep, but the venue and the talent make up for it.

What: Brad Blackwell

Where: Bijou Theatre

When: 8 p.m.

Price: $20 ($15 for students)

Preston’s Take: A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Blackwell is one of the most talented singer-songwriters to come out of East Tennessee in a while. Blackwell is actually a current UT senior, and he has recently released his sophomore album. This up-and-coming talent sticks mostly to an acoustic medium, and with the ever-growing buzz surrounding him, this might be a good show to go to just for the chance to say “I saw him before he was big” a couple years down the road.

Saturday, June 23

What: Fifth Street Saints

Where: The Valarium

When: 8 p.m.

Price: $5 at door ($3 surcharge for under 21)

Preston’s Take: Fifth Street Saints are a high-energy modern rock band out of Morristown. They’re known for good live shows and the Valarium is a good venue for their kind of style.

What: Robert Earl Keen

Where: Bijou Theatre

When: 8 p.m.

Price: $28

Preston’s Take: Keen is a staple in the singer-songwriter circuit, who has recorded with big-name artists such as George Strait, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Price is a little high, but he’s worth it.

Sunday, June 24

What: Oversat with Sounds of Sirens and Exalted Ruler 1998

Where: Pilot Light

When: 10 p.m.

Price: $5 (18+)Preston’s Take: Oversat is an indie surfwave band that are veterans of touring Knoxville. It’s a good price with a good band in a nice spot.