A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:
Black Eyed Peas, Xcel Energy Center. I'd classify them more as entertainers than as singers, but quite the entertainers at that. If you didn't feel like dancing, you'd have been better off staying home. I swear I felt the X shaking during the last song.
Celtic Woman, Xcel Energy Center. Beautiful voices and great performances by everyone onstage. Usually not my cup of tea, but I -- and the rest of the audience -- enjoyed the show.
Michael Bublé, Xcel Energy Center. My favorite concert of the three. It almost felt as if members of two previous crowds came together to enjoy the show. People were singing and dancing along as he crooned to everyone in the audience, myself included.
MIKE HADDAD, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
To contribute: popmusic@startribune.com
Janelle Monae, Varsity. High concept, high hair, high energy, high excitement. Her ambitious, dramatic, cinematic, futuristic electro-funky alt-R&B was often thrilling and always fascinating. She's the most captivating R&B performer to come along since Sharon Jones.
Dan and Matt Wilson, Pantages. Playing their first concert together as a duo, these bespectacled brothers brought out each other's humor, which, when combined with their high-voiced harmonies, understated guitar work and alluring (and sometimes beautiful) songs, made for a satisfying organic collaboration. Encore!
