Three noteworthy shows happening this first day of December. Take a look at the breakdown below.
Mac Miller with Earthgang Busting flows comes naturally for Mac Miller. The Pittsburgh emcee who maintains he’s not here ‘cause he’s white, he’s here ‘cause he’s tight proves it on his latest album GO:OD AM. Coming back balanced and refreshed after a dark pariod, Miller’s third album finds him full of braggadocios as he flaunts and reflects on his success ala “100 Grandkids” (“When I first made a hundred grand, thought I was a king / When I first made a hundred grand, couldn't tell me nothin’”), yet he’s remains introspective, questioning life, God and the world at large in tracks like “The Festival” (“Ask God if she believe in me and will she accept me as a deity / and tell me the secrecy won't keep you free”). On GO:OD AM, the production is strong and diverse, a mix of mellow synths, rousing organs and pianos, inflated bassline, grimy drums and even a children’s choir. (The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City) –Andrea McCray
Kenny G The saxophone takes on a serene yet sexy tone when blown by Kenny G, curly-haired king of instrumental easy listening, juggling soprano, tenor and alto sax with occasional flute toots and counted as among the best-selling artists of all time with more than 75 million records sold worldwide. On this night, he hits town on the heels of releasing his 15 th album, Brazilian Nights, a tranquil foray into samba, Bossa Nova and jazz mixing covers (“Girl from Ipanema”) with original compositions inspired by those sounds. (Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater) –Leilani Polk
Celtic Christmas Irish-born Savannah, Ga.-based Celtic-folk music maker, storyteller and entertainer Harry O’Donoghue delivers his gently-woven narratives on guitar and bodhran. Acoustic axeman Carroll Brown is a South Carolina-bred Irish-blooded artist who’s been playing the roots music circuit since the ‘70s and incorporating the sounds of his ancestral home in the last few decades. The duo’s Celtic Christmas program blends beloved carols with original compositions and Irish holiday songs. (Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg) –LP
