This week's hot concerts

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All-American Rejects8 p.m. Friday, May 11, Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $33. www.livenation.comAfter a reportedly debaucherous chapter in L.A., the Oklahoma-reared rock group returned with a more personal album (“Kids in the Street”) without sacrificing the pop hooks and head bobbing grooves that propelled its past hits.
NC Brewers & Music Festival 12 p.m. Saturday, May 12, Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd. $20-$30 ($7 for children, $15 evening only). http://ncbrewsmusic.com/Western Carolinas’ Steep Canyon Rangers, who regularly work with Steve Martin, Larry Keel, Sol Driven Train, and Ryan Montlbleau Band head up this roots music and craft beer festival, which highlights Carolina breweries with an afternoon tasting.
Maybash 5 p.m. Saturday, May 12, Thirsty Beaver, 1225 Central Ave. FREE (Donations encouraged). https://www.facebook.com/events/416643648346476/The 7^th annual outdoor festival combines BBQ, roots music, and booze to raise money for pediatric cancer research and treatment. David Childers, the Loudermilks, Leadville Social Club, Bill Noonan & the Barbed Wires and house band the Loose Lugnuts will perform.
Mayer Hawthorne8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36^thSt. $18-$20/$33 VIP. 704-358-9298. Like Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, this Ann Arbor-raised  producer magically recreates the sound of `60s and `70s soul. What’s comes as a surprise is he's young, white music geek channeling Smokey Robinson and Curtis Mayfield on stage.
The Aggrolites7 p.m. Sunday, May 13, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $13-$15. www.etix.comBefore heading out this summer with 311, this rowdy L.A.-based ska/reggae act leads a headlining bill that includes Old Man Markley and Brothers of Brazil in support of its first live album (which includes Roy Ellis’ “Banana” you “Yo Gabba Gabba” fans).
Greg Laswell7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $10-$12. www.etix.comHaving made a name for himself scoring scenes on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” this singer-songwriter continues to create stirring, cinematic tracks on his latest album “Landline” which manages to straddle intimacy and orchestral grandeur. Elizabeth Ziman (of Elizabeth & the Catapult), one of Laswell’s female duet partners on the disc, opens the show.
Jonathan Wilson7 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $12-$15. 704-358-9200.Charlotteans may remember the Forest City native from the NC-band Muscadine. He’s since been working with A-listers like Jackson Browne and Elvis Costello until releasing his hypnotically psych-folk solo debut “Gentle Spirit” (which is wowing European fans) in 2011.
Neon Trees/AWOLNATION7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, Amos’, 1423 S. Tryon St. $17-$20. www.etix.comThe new wave throwback recently followed up hits like “Your Surrender” and “Animal,” with a batch of equally catchy `80s-inspired tunes on the sophomore disc, “Picture Show.” It joins electronic rock co-headliner AWOLNATION and Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic.
Less Than Jake 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, Tremont, 400 W. Tremont Ave. $15-$17. www.etix.comThe horn-laden ska-punk outfit’s 20<sup>th</sup>anniversary is bound to make many a `90s Warped Tour regular feel their age. The group, who kicks off a short East Coast jaunt here, keeps things nostalgic returning to a club it frequented in its earlier days.
Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. $33. www.livenation.comThis quirky collective, who had an online hit with its much download single “Home,” recently completed two albums. One will be released May 29; the other later this year. Opener Fool’s Gold would’ve been at home on MTV’s “120 Minutes” in the late `80s lacing jangly guitars, squawky danceable hooks and deep, emotive vocals.