Saturday, June 1, 2013 / 7:30 p.m. / $42, $36
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His first album debuted in 1980, but singer-songwriter and guitar player Kevin Moore was working the blues scene long before then. In the three decades since that first album, Kevin Moore became Keb’ Mo’, released 11 more albums (the most recent one in 2011), and won three Grammy awards. Born in South Los Angeles to parents from the South, Keb’ Mo’ produces music described as “a living link to the seminal Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River.”

For Fans of: Lyle Lovett, Robert Cray, Kelly Joe Phelps

What Critics Say: Rather than focus exclusively on the deep-down blues of, say, a Muddy Waters, Mo’ manages to tip his hat to the greats while bringing in his own funky style of upbeat, jazz/pop/rock-influenced blues to the party. — Roger Lelievre, AnnArbor.com

Friday, June 7, 2013 / 7:30 p.m. / $69, $63
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There’s hardly a facet of the music industry where Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has not found success. His ten Grammys highlight Edmonds’ years of work not only as a singer but as a songwriter and a producer as well. “Every Time I Close My Eyes” is one of his own chart-toppers. The hits he’s written for others are instantly recognizable, including Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” and Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight.”

For Fans of: Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross

What Critics Say: Babyface … was just as personable and polished, walking out to a standing ovation in a crisp silk suit and launching into his bottomless catalog of hits with “For the Cool In You,” “Every Time I Close My Eyes” and “Never Keeping Secrets,” all of which were accompanied by loudly enthusiastic sing-a-longs. His impassioned delivery, in fact, sent him into a soul-clapping, pinwheeling- across-the-stage frenzy.
— Melody Charles, SoulTracks.com

Saturday, June 22, 2013 / 7:30 p.m. / $45, $39
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There are plenty of iconic songs connected to folk singer/songwriter Don McLean, but two stand out. “American Pie”— the ballad telling of “the day the music died”—may well be the song he is most known for penning and performing. Another hit follows his name as well, but he didn’t write it and never performed it. “Killing Me Softly with His Song” was written about him and eventually sung by Roberta Flack as well as The Fugees. He was prolific during the 1970s but has recorded consistently for three decades, producing more than 30 albums.

For Fans of: Jim Croce, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor

What Critics Say: “American Pie,” when it came, was a surprise. Midway through the set he suddenly issued that immortal line “A long, long time ago...” and for 10 beautiful minutes it was 1971 again.
— Mike Keegan, CityLife.co.uk

Tuesday, July 16, 2013 / 7:30 p.m. / $35, $29
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Showcasing some of the world’s best singers and songwriters, “The Heart Behind the Music” tour offers a chance to hear talented musicians talk about the meaning behind their hit songs while also treating ticket holders to outstanding performances. The tour’s Meridian stop includes Kim Carnes, who won a Grammy in the 1980s for singing “Bette Davis Eyes.” She has also written numerous hits for Barbra Streisand, Kenny Rogers, and many other well-known singers. Joining Carnes is John Ford Coley, half the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan & John Ford Coley and best known for the hit “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight.” The concert also highlights Gene Cotton, who has 15 albums to his credit and counts “Before My Heart Finds Out” and “Like a Sunday in Salem” among his top-rated singles. Versatile pop and country songwriter Lenny LeBlanc joins the group as well, known for his 1970s hit ballad, “Falling.” Since a dramatic religious conversion, LeBlanc has become a popular Christian artist, his credits including “Above All” and “There Is None Like You.” Special guest Greg Barnhill is also featured during the Meridian show. A distant relative of Mississippi’s “Singing Brakeman” Jimmie Rodgers, Barnhill has penned such hits as “House of Love” for Amy Grant and Vince Gill as well as “Walkaway Joe,” a duet by Trisha Yearwood and Don Henley. The Emmy nominee can also be heard on the recordings of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Lee Ann Womack.

For Fans of: country, rock, blue-eyed soul

What Critics Say: [Gene Cotton is] one of the best writers in the business. — Hollywood Reporter

No question about the voice [of Kim Carnes]: it’s worn, aged, soulful, defiant, utterly lacking smooth edges—an enormously compelling instrument to anyone enamored of blue-eyed soul. — David McGee, Rolling Stone
Record Guide

Friday, August 2, 2013 / 7:30 p.m. / $28, $22
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Ever heard of Lee Shapiro or Gerry Polci? How about Jimmy Ryan, Larry Gates, or Russ Velazquez? Perhaps, but you certainly know the groups and artists they’ve sung with: Carly Simon, Jim Croce, Tommy James & The Shondells, Barry Manilow, and Elton John, to name a few. After being part of the mega-hit acts of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, they combined their talents in 2010, and now they tour the country, singing many of the hits that launched their careers. If you liked the hit play Jersey Boys, then this concert is a must-see for you.

For Fans of: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Tommy James & The Shondells

What Critics Say: When The Hit Men play anywhere near you, go see them! They were incredibly tight and polished... It was a fabulous show, and I enjoyed every minute of it. — Charles Alexander, The Huffington Post