Kelly Clarkson may have slashed her “My December” tour from the Pepsi Center to the Paramount, but her Monday concert still promises to crackle with the pop-rock energy that won her fans in the first place. With Jon McLaughlin, 1621 Glenarm Place. 7 p.m. $41
The New Pornographers’ latest album, “Challengers,” takes a step back from the indie collective’s typical exuberance, but its live show is reportedly as feisty as ever. Monday, Gothic Theatre, with Emma Pollock and Immaculate Machine, 3263 S. Broadway. 8 p.m. $20
Kingdom of Magic will provide the meat in the metal sandwich Wednesday when the crushing Denver band plays with Prong and an act that can’t be named in this family newspaper. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $14
Ghostface Killah heads up the all-star Hip-Hop Live tour, featuring Brother Ali, Rakim and the backing music of the 10-piece Rhythm Roots Allstars (“Hip-hop’s roots are nourished by live music,” Killah has said). The Wu-Tang vet and crew play Thursday at the Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $25
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
