HOT TUNA
This spinoff of rock's Jefferson Airplane, featuring bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen playing folk and blues, has been consistently more satisfying than its parent project. This acoustic show not only celebrates four decades as a going concern, but the recently released "Steady as She Goes" is the first Hot Tuna record in 20 years.
Two shows at 7 and 10 p.m. March 9 at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $34-$38. Call (773) 728-6000; oldtownschool.org.

COMPANY OF THIEVES
Chicago's Company of Thieves is a reliably entertaining pop-rock band, returning home after a monthlong tour of points east and south. Still supporting their sophomore album, "Running From a Gamble," the band, led by personable and passionate singer Genevieve Schatz, (above) plays to a wide array of tastes without spreading too thin.
Local notables Bailiff and Sidewalk Chalk open at 7 p.m. March 9 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark. Tickets: $15. Call (800) 514-ETIX; metrochicago.com.

KELLY CLARKSON; LEE DEWYZE
Need an "American Idol" fix, in person instead of on TV? Two previous winners are on separate local stages this weekend. Kelly Clarkson, the very first crowned "Idol," belts her latest hits, including the high-charting "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond, Ind. (tickets: $50-$155, 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com). Meanwhile, Season 9 winner and Chicago suburbanite Lee DeWyze strums and sings at 7 p.m. March 10 at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Dr. in Lincolnshire (tickets: $20-$100, 847-499-5000, viper-alley.com).