the knux

9 P.M. WEDNESDAY. RIOT ROOM.

Timing is everything. The 2008 debut album by The Knux, a rock-oriented hip-hop duo originally from New Orleans, was a couple years ahead of the curve. Excellent songs like “Cappuccino” and “Bang! Bang!” failed to propel The Knux into the big time, but the pair’s prescient sound paved the way for the recent successes of LMFAO, Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B. Instead of performing in large halls on its current tour, consequently, The Knux are playing small venues like Riot Room. Perhaps the new song “Run,” featuring a cameo by the similarly minded Kid Cudi, will rectify the band’s unwarranted obscurity. With a pop approach that resembles Maroon 5, opening act Jordy Towers also seems poised for bigger things.

Advance tickets are $7, $10 on the day of show.

mavis staples

7:30 P.M. THURSDAY. KAUFFMAN CENTER.

It’s safe to say that gospel and R&B legend Mavis Staples’ appearance Thursday at the Kauffman Center will be the funkiest concert to date at the sophisticated new venue. One of the greatest voices in American music, Staples rose to prominence as a member of gospel-pop family band The Staple Singers while she was just a teenager. That’s her distinctive voice on classic hits like “Respect Yourself” and “Uncloudy Day.” Staples’ beloved father and bandleader, Pops, is gone, but she’s collaborated with Prince, Ry Cooder and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy in recent years. Her singular voice remains strong, soulful and inspiring. To paraphrase the Staple Singers’ 1972 hit, Staples will “take you there.”

Tickets cost $49-$75 (plus a $6 per-ticket fee).

puddle of mudd

6:30 P.M. THURSDAY. MIDLAND.

Until Nickelback claimed the dubious distinction, Puddle of Mudd was a contender for the title of the most universally loathed act in rock. With deep roots in the Kansas City area, the members of Puddle of Mudd are hometown anti-heroes. The metallic brand of grunge favored by Wes Scantlin’s band may not be stylish, but it’s durable. Puddle of Mudd covers classic rock jams by the likes of Elton John and Led Zeppelin on its current album. The new material won’t win over many skeptics, but undoubtedly it will sound solid alongside old hits including “Blurry” and “She Hates Me” on Thursday. Las Vegas’ Adelitas Way, Florida’s Black Tide and Boston’s Lansdowne serve as Puddle of Mudd’s opening acts.

Advance tickets cost $15.

murder ballad ball

6 P.M. FRIDAY. RIOT ROOM.

In a morbid but delightful tradition, many of Kansas City’s best roots-oriented musicians congregate once a year to croon bloody murder ballads. Although the setting switches from Crosstown Station to the Riot Room, the 2011 edition of the Murder Ballad Ball promises to be as bleak and bloody as ever. Among the participants are the dark and mysterious American Catastrophe (shown), the bluesy rock band Cadillac Flambe, indie rocker Tommy Donoho and traditional folkies Bob and Diana Sukiel. Proceeds from an on-site auction and raffle will go toward local music-oriented charities Midwest Music Foundation and Midcoast Takeover.

Advance tickets cost $10.

black label society

8 P.M. SATURDAY. BEAUMONT CLUB.

In a world full of ironic mashups and genre-bending experimentation, it can be reassuring when the physical appearance of an artist is a perfect representation of his or her straightforward musical output. Guitar hero Zakk Wylde comes straight out of heavy metal’s central casting. With his huge frame, long blond hair and menacing swagger, Wylde resembles a battle-scarred Viking. Many of the fans who have been following Wylde’s career since his tenure as a guitarist in Ozzy Osbourne’s band are similarly imposing. Expect Wylde’s Black Label Society to attract a loyal audience of hard-drinking, leather-clad bikers Saturday to the Beaumont Club . The formidably scuzzy Texas Hippie Coalition and Kansas City’s mighty Hammerlord serve as the night’s ultra-heavy opening acts.

Advance tickets cost $26.50.