Charles Bradley

12/6 at 9 The former James Brown impersonator, who received a revivalist makeover in the early aughts, went to church at Lollapalooza. His offerings in this more intimate setting, backed by a supercharged horn section, should be even more inspiring. $26. Metro, 3730 N Clark. etix.com

City Winery

12/8 at 8 Hot Tuna. The duo at the center of this Jefferson Airplane spinoff have been playing the blues for more than 20 years. They released a new record, Steady as She Goes, in 2011, but if they just played “Hesitiation Blues” all night, that’d be cool too. $42–$50.
1200 W Randolph. citywinery.com/Chicago

Gringo Star

12/12 at 9 The doo-wop-soaked, reverb-fueled anthems of Atlanta’s Gringo Star add a sunny dash of warmth to mid-December. $12. Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave. schubas.com

Booker T. Jones

12/6 at 7 and 9:30 A veteran Hammond B3 player who’s not afraid to tackle more contemporary artists like Lauryn Hill and Outkast, Jones plays from his expansive catalog of soul classics. $22–$62. Space, 1245 Chicago. evanstonspace.com