The Bacon Brothers
Kevin Bacon is a popular singer-songwriter who records music with his brother Michael as the Bacon Brothers when he is not working on films such as “Mystic River” or “X-Men: First Class.” The brothers have gone from forming to play a charity event in their hometown of Philadelphia to a 20-year career. The multi-instrumentalists will play a variety of hits from their seven albums, including “Good News” and “Go My Way.” Their first album in six years, “36 cents,” was released in 2014. Freedy Johnston will open.
When: 8 p.m. July 9
Where: The Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Admission: $39.50
Rachel Caswell
Bloomington native Rachell Caswell will play in a quartet comprised of pianist Jamaal Baptiste, drummer Mitch Shiner and bassist Jeremy Allen. Her latest CD “All I Know” has a stripped-down sound with only the singer and a single accompanist, either Allen or guitarist Dave Stryker. Caswell also performs with her sister Sara, a violinist. as the Caswell Sisters.
When: 5:30 p.m. July 9
Where: Bear’s Place, 1316 E. Third St. 21+
Admission: $7 ($5 for students)
Salaam + Birimbi
The Player’s Pub will host an evening of Middle Eastern and South American music Saturday. Salaam features musicians on various instruments such as the viola and bass, and lesser-known instruments such as the doud and joza. Birimbi, who has performed as a trio featuring marimba, bass and percussion, will also perform.
When: 8 p.m. July 11
Where: The Player’s Pub, 424 S. Walnut St.
Admission: $6
Mutant Fest II
Sixteen Midwest bands will play this all-day festival at the Back Door Night Club and downstairs venue the Blockhouse. This will be the festival’s first time in Bloomington after debuting in Louisville, Kentucky last year. Bloomington’s Thee Open Sex and the Gizmos will play. Shows alternate between the two venues to make seeing both band a possibility.
When: 4 p.m July 11
Where: The Back Door, the Blockhouse; 207 S. College Ave. 21+
Admission: $10
Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra will begin its 46th season with a free show in Bryan Park. BSO alumus and IU professor Dr. Stephen Pratt will be the guest conductor for the concert. IU students play trombone and violin in the orchestra, which also includes musicians from high-school age to professionals. Bring a blanket and a picnic if you’d like. The BSO’s next performance in Bloomington is a children’s concert Aug. 22 at WonderLab.
When: 6:30 p.m. July 12
Where: Bryan Park, off South Henderson Street
Admission: free
Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press
Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press return to the Bluebird to play their fun covers that span The Cardigans and Miley Cyrus to Dion and the Belmonts’ “Runaround Sue”. The Chicago-based group will play to their ardent Bloomington following, and make new fans out of the local barfly’s.
When: 10 p.m. July 11
Where: The Bluebird, 216 North Walnut St. 21+
Admission: $5
