Rachael Yamagata, Lucero back in town

Jason Gonulsen
Special to Metromix

The last time Rachael Yamagata was in town, she performed solo at The Pageant, opening for The Swell Season, and she just about stole every beating heart in the room. Her latest album at the time, 'Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart,' was a batch of emotional songs, led by "What If I Leave?" and "Elephants," two songs that warn of the dark side of love and relationships. Her performance that night was chilling.

Yamagata will be back in St. Louis on Wednesday at Blueberry Hill, this time with a full band and a new album called 'Chesapeake,' which is a bit more uplifting, or at least more hopeful than her last offering. That's no slight to 'Elephants,' it's just that I sense a different outlook on songs like "Even If I Don't" and "Saturday Morning." The messages in those songs accept what life can be at times—that things don't always work out, but you still need to go with the flow. Because, after all, you never know what the future holds. Yamagata's not one to miss.

Mike Viola will open the show, and tickets are $18-20; you can purchase them here.

On Friday at Off Broadway, Lucero will be back in town, bringing their rowdy show to one of the best venues in town. You might remember that their 2010 performance at LouFest was cut short due to sickness (no, really, the boys were puking). Let's hope they're healthy this time around, because the band from Memphis puts on one of the best live shows you'll see. Just be prepared to get a little crazy. Tickets are $16-18, and you can purchase yours here.