Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 17
Buffalo Place Rocks the Hharbor: Great Big Sea, Robert Cray Band

Finally, an event appropriate for those of you who just want to rock out with your kilt out. Though they’re more likely to be sporting jeans and T’s, Canadian folk-rockers Great Big Sea (pictured) will kick off their national tour in Buffalo this Friday. The Celtic-inspired trio from Newfoundland will rock the waters as the first act in this year’s Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor. The tour, announced with the release of their new album, Fortune’s Favor, will be the group’s first US tour since 2002. The group calls their ninth album a “stew” of all of their influences, citing Bob Marley, the Clash, and Johnny Cash, among others. With a sound that the Washington Post called “explosively joyful” Great Big Sea should put on a good show. The following night, on Saturday, the Robert Cray Band will headline, touring in support of their first ever live recoding, entitled LIVE From Across the Pond. Friday’s concert will begin with special guest Mason Jennings, a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter, and Saturday will feature blues singer-songwriter Keb’ Mo’ as the opening act.

—mallory passuite

5pm both days. Erie Canal Harbor. $10/advance (Ticketmaster.com/852-5000) or $15/day of show.

Limited number of tickets available at Buffalo Place (617 Main St). Visit www.buffaloplace.com for details