Music Forecast 5.29–6.4: the Naked and Famous, Joe Ely, Cher and Cyndi Lauper, and more

St. Paul & the Broken Bones

Paul Janeway is an average-looking guy with nerd glasses. But the frontman’s magnetism is revealed with the seven-piece soul outfit St. Paul & the Broken Bones. Janeway is a true talent who has spent a lot of time studying James Brown. It has paid off. The Bones’ debut album, Half the City, flaunts the influence of classic soul and Southern gospel. (The Bones are from Alabama, and Janeway was raised Pentecostal.) Janeway wails and belts his lyrics with a lion’s confidence on “Like a Mighty River”; he’s a male version of Sharon Jones on “Call Me”; and he channels Otis Redding on the bluesy, organ-driven “Grass Is Greener.” If that’s not enough, the Bones’ lineup includes a trumpeter and a trombone player. Do not miss this show. The next time this band comes through town, it won’t be at a small venue.

Tuesday, June 3, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

French Horn Rebellion

You have Robert and David Perlick-Molinari to thank for French Horn Rebellion. The Milwaukee-via-Brooklyn brothers are trying to put a new spin on electro pop with their debut album, The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion. Funky blippity-bleeps mash up against synths and computer-enhanced vocals. That may not sound inventive, but the siblings have a knack for distilling catchy melodies and the quirkiest bits of 1980s electronica. In their music videos and often in their lyrics, the Perlick-Molinaris come across a little like awkward junior high kids; let’s hope that translates to an endearing stage presence.

Wednesday, June 4, at the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

The Naked and Famous

Power-pop five-piece the Naked and Famous found worldwide success in 2010 with the bombastic, mirror-shattering anthem “Young Blood.” Synths, hooks and epic pop abound again on the Auckland, New Zealand, band’s latest full-length, In Rolling Waves. The new material is meant to sound weighty and mature. But, really, it doesn’t matter what the band is singing about — probably youth, likely love — but how the songs make you feel: full of adrenaline and ready to dance.

Friday, May 30, at the KC Live Block (13th Street and Grand, powerandlightdistrict.com)

Joe Ely

Joe Ely is a true Lone Star State cowboy. Since the Texas native’s 1977 debut album, he has strung together a career that has included collaboration with the Clash and performances with Bruce Springsteen and Lyle Lovett. Of the three, Ely is most like Lovett: a remarkable artist in the country tradition. His singular voice can make any song, no matter how old or new, sound warm and familiar. And Ely has quite the catalog, nearly 20 studio albums, so you can expect a wide-ranging set list.

Friday, May 30, at Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456)

Cher, with Cyndi Lauper

Cher turned 68 on May 20. She hardly looks it, but what would you expect from the Goddess of Pop? She belongs to a higher caste of beings, and fans in Kansas City get to experience her flawlessness: those chiseled cheekbones and over-the-top costumes that have inspired the careers of countless drag queens. Bonus: 1980s pop idol Cyndi Lauper opens. Don’t even pretend that “Time After Time,” “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” and buckets of glitter (which I fully expect) won’t make for the best night ever.

Saturday, May 31, at Sprint Center (1407 Grand, 816-949-7000)

Chicago Afrobeat Project

Whether the Chicago Afrobeat Project brings all 14 band members or just a few, it’ll be interesting to see them crowd the RecordBar’s stage. Even better will be hearing the lively mixture of Afro-Cuban, juju, funk and jazz elements crafted into songs to make you move and shake. Prepare yourself for a steamy night of spicy rhythms and international flavors. Local Afrobeat star Heartfelt Anarchy opens.

Saturday, May 31, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)