R. KELLY WITH KEYSHIA COLE AND MARSHA AMBROSIUS

8 P.M. SATURDAY. SPRINT CENTER.

R. Kelly’s alleged personal predilections have made him a reviled figure in some quarters. On a strictly musical basis, however, the man is undeniably one of the most significant singers of our time. The lovable schmaltz of “I Believe I Can Fly,” the over-the-top soap opera “Trapped In the Closet” and the glorious dance music of “Happy People” are part of our social fabric. “Love Letter,” the most recent album by the self-described “Pied Piper of R&B,” is an impressive throwback to the sounds of Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye. Keyshia Cole, an exceptionally lovable diva, and Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of Floetry, open for Kelly. Tickets are $28.50-$85.

— bill brownlee { special to ink }

MOTLEY CRUE, POISON, NEW YORK DOLLS

7:30 P.M. TUESDAY. SPRINT CENTER.

Tuesday will be a banner night for men who like to rock lipstick. Three of the most outlandishly successful purveyors of glam rock and hair metal will overload the Sprint Center with decadently androgynous arena rock. Motley Crue (“Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood”) and Poison (“Nothin’ But a Good Time,” “Talk Dirty To Me”) may have the hits, but the brilliantly rudimentary proto-punk of the New York Dolls blazed a path for cross-dressing musicians who favor unforgettable choruses and raunchy power chords. Tickets are $49.50-$99.50.

— bill brownlee { special to ink }

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs

7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY. STARLIGHT THEATRE.

Since his debut album, “Trouble,” in 2004, LaMontagne’s stock has climbed quickly thanks to a unique sound and devoted following. He has performed on Saturday Night Live, and his most recent album, “God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise,” was nominated for three Grammy Awards (it won for best contemporary folk album). The singer/songwriter rolls into Kansas City for a 7:30 p.m.show at Starlight Theatre and will be joined by Secret Sisters and Brandi Carlile. Tickets are $35-$75 at kcstarlight.com.

— dugan arnett { ink }

BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY

9 P.M. SATURDAY. GRANADA THEATER.

Rife with infighting and unrelenting drama, life in the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony family has always seemed chaotic. Fans of the influential hip-hop group from Ohio don’t always know what they’re in for when they pony up for an appearance by the hit-makers behind “1st of tha Month” and “Thuggish Ruggish Bone.” Posters for the current Resurrection Tour promise backing by a live band and the presence of key members Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone and Flesh-n-Bone. Apparently, original members Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone are out. Local favorites Steddy P, DJ G Train and Lonely Hearts Club open. Advance tickets are $20.

— bill brownlee { special to ink }

THAO & MIRAH

10 P.M. THURSDAY. RECORD BAR.

Thao Nguyen and Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn were enjoying separate moderately successful careers as respected members of the indie rock underground when they decided to join forces last year. “Thao & Mirah,” their appropriately titled new album, is in the same elite league as the artful folk rock of Bon Iver and Cat Power. A pair of female-fronted acts open for the duo Thursday. Led to Sea, the moniker of Seattle-based violinist L. Alex Guy, creates scratchy experimental folk music. Bobby, a dream-pop band from Vermont, shares two members with the like-minded Mountain Man. Tickets are $11.

— bill brownlee { special to ink }

PETER GABRIEL

8 P.M. SATURDAY. STARLIGHT THEATRE.

If ever a man was ahead of his time, it’s Peter Gabriel. In an unpredictable career that has lasted more than four decades, Gabriel has repeatedly reinvented himself. His music — from the theatrical prog-rock of early Genesis to the futuristic new wave of his first few solo albums and his explorations of world music — has continually presaged popular trends. During his current 12-date North American tour, a core band of 20 musicians will be rounded out by an additional 25 musicians from each city. Sounds crazy, right? In keeping with the previous phases of Gabriel’s fearless career, those present at Starlight Theatre will likely experience the sights and sounds of the future. Tickets are $34.50-$251.

— bill brownlee { special to ink }