Music Forecast 11.27–12.3: Har Mar Superstar, John Berwanger Band, Martina McBride, and more

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Har Mar Superstar, Pizza Underground
Sean Tillman — the pudgy, balding, sweaty silhouette known as Har Mar Superstar — is an unlikely sex symbol. Yet he’s a very capable one. With last year’s Bye Bye 17, Tillman seems to have finally — and gratefully, for some audiences — abandoned his sequined Speedos in favor of retro suits befitting his throwback soul sound. Fully clothed, Tillman still cuts a captivating stage presence. The wild card of this lineup is undoubtedly the Macauley Culkin–led Pizza Underground, which performs, wouldn’t you know it, Velvet Underground songs with reworked, pizza-themed lyrics. This show is equal parts cool and ridiculous, if you’re about that life.

Thursday, November 27, RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

Josh Berwanger Band
It has been more than a year since former Anniversary lead singer Josh Berwanger made his comeback with Strange Stains. It’s an album not easily forgotten. Berwanger’s comfortable, catchy pop songs sound even better live when he re-creates them with his band. Onstage, Berwanger is part swaggering frontman, part drunken best man giving a wedding toast. That’s a party you don’t want to miss, and one you can happily get down with Friday at Lawrence’s Replay Lounge. Local bands Tire Fire and Arc Flash open.

Friday, November 28, Replay Lounge (946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-7676)

Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson’s Tuesday show at Knuckleheads Saloon sold out shortly after it was announced. Those of us who have heard the gospel on Metamodern Sounds in Country Music know why. On that album — and, to some degree, High Top Mountain — it sounds as though the singer-songwriter may be attempting to save a genre from being squashed by stereotypes. Of course, he would never admit to that, the same way a chef would never reveal the best recipes. Metamodern Sounds finds Simpson’s pliable, twangy baritone curving around an intriguing arrangement of psychedelic and, yes, country-western strings. On the surface, his clever (and sometimes absurd) lyrics are the last things you’d imagine hearing on country radio, which is likely why country radio doesn’t play Simpson’s songs. But that’s all part of his charm. If you can find a way into Knuckleheads Tuesday night, you won’t regret it.

Tuesday, December 2, Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456)

Martina McBride
After 11 wildly successful country albums spread over a 22-year career, Martina McBride can do whatever she wants. But who would have thought that meant releasing an album of classic R&B covers? In April, McBride’s Everlasting surprised with its smart collection of great songs, such as Van Morrison’s “Wild Night” and Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me.” Though her takes on the tracks don’t break new ground, McBride performs them with respect and heart. Her voice is strong and confident, and live, the 48-year-old singer won’t disappoint.

Saturday, November 29, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)