Lyfe Jennings reigns in the mindless button-popping of other neo-soul practitioners for sultry introspection. The multi-instrumentalist’s attempts at classic songcraft are occasionally overwrought but always sincere. Tuesday at the Ogden Theatre with the excellently named Ray Lavender. $27.
Steve Earle’s leathery persona belies a sentimentality that shone through on last year’s squishy “Washington Square Serenade.” That album also sported enough production baubles to qualify as an experiment. Tuesday at the Boulder Theater with Allison Moorer. $23.50.
Constantines bring nearly everything to the table: druggy, Leonard Cohen- esque ballads, tumbling distortion and gruff singing garnished with sweet melody. The Toronto indie band is a dish best served live. Tuesday at the Hi-Dive with Ladyhawk and d. biddle. $10.
Bill Maher almost dares you to hate him with his grinning self-righteousness that borders on egomania, but few performers of any genre are as fearless, outspoken and frequently dead-on as the “Real Time” host. Thursday at the Paramount Theatre. $45-$55.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
