SOUND ADVICE

The month of May includes Mother’s Day (hint, hint) so why not buy tickets to an upcoming concert? Mother’s Day gift idea No. 1: Buy tickets to Shaun Cassidy, who performs at Hoyt Sherman on June 17. Not sure who Cassidy is? Just ask your mom about the “Da Do Ron Ron” 1970s heartthrob. Tickets $35-$75. Or, gift idea No. 2 is a night of blues with legendary blues musician Buddy Guy on June 15. Opener is Tom Hambridge. Tickets cost $59.50 -$99.50. Both available at Ticketmaster.

Valley Junction music lovers, rejoice! Thursday nights are back with Music in the Junction. From May 5 to Sept. 29, the free outdoor concerts include a lineup of talented bands. May 12 is Rescue Dogs; May 19, Dick Danger Band; and May 26, Blacktop.

Machine Gun Kelly brings his tour to Wells Fargo Arena on Aug. 9 with opening acts Travis Barker and Willow. Tickets available at midwestix.com.

May 20 at xBk is Iowa Singer Songwriter Night. Discover Iowans playing original music, including Dickie, Adam Bruce and guests. Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door.

The “Can’t Stop Us Now” tour makes a stop on Aug. 21 featuring Pitbull and Iggy Azalea at Wells Fargo Arena. Yep, it’s the same night as Carrie Underwood’s concert the last night of the Iowa State Fair. Tickets are still available for both concerts. Which one will you choose? ♦