The Crane Wives @ The Complex 6/26
Entering from the indie folk boom of the early 2010s, The Crane Wives are made up by Grand Rapids, Mich. natives Emilee Petersmark (guitar and vocals), Kate Pillsbury (guitar and vocals), Dan Rickabus (drums and vocals) and Ben Zito (bass). In the likeness of other modern folk groups like Of Monsters and Men and The Lumineers, The Crane Wives broke out during the folk renaissance and succeeded with popular records like Coyote Stories and Foxlore, both released in 2015. After the loss of former band member Tom Gunnels and a missed opportunity to sign a record deal, the band broke out again five years later during the COVID-19 pandemic on social media platforms, along with other popular folk artists like Gregory Alan Isakov. It was this development that brought their sixth studio record in 2024, Beyond Beyond Beyond—and now, they’re touring once again. Their music takes flight within each track as the leading duo, Petersmark and Pillsbury, invite the listener to a campfire story told within the span of three minutes. Each track feels fantastical and enters a world of mischief from the tone and growth in cadence of each instrument as the band reaches the climax. And as they’ve gained traction, the world has only continued to grow. So become a part of their world and check out The Crane Wives, headlining at The Complex on Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m., with support from Yasmin Williams. Tickets are $40 and you can find yours now at axs.com. (Laney Hansen)
J Boog @ The Union 6/26
For over two decades, J Boog’s music, live performances, philosophy and particularly his remarkable voice have connected with audiences and in no small way. The 2011 LP Backyard Boogie by the artist born Jerry Fealofani Afemata showcased star quality with his “lovers rock” sensibility on standout tracks such as “Sunshine Girl,” “Mystery” and “Let’s Do it Again.” Recently, his cover of Louis Prima’s “Pennies From Heaven” proves that this man has the vibe and the consciousness in his bones, and that it’s all about the love for reggae music. “I guess I found reggae, you know what I mean?” Afemata told Afro Pop. “We’d listen to that stuff growing up in Compton. When I started listening to the lyrics and understanding them, you know, it made me escape. From then on, I was hooked.” All musical styles have a precursor and I actually think it’s fresh that reggae is covered with poppy melodies that somehow make it more familiar. I swear, when I listen, I can smell the ocean breeze, taste the sweet mangoes, feel the thunk-a-dunk rhythm of the sound system as my aching bones tap a deep memory and silently try to realign themselves into something of a dancehall. J Boog is a roots radical and a proper showman with a defiant message of love. Catch this musician as Reggae Rise Up presents J Boog at the Union Event Center on Friday, June 26. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $33.55 and can be found at ticketmaster.com. (Mark Dago)
Deorro @ The Great Saltair 6/26…