Helmet, Sat., June 24 at Melomane in Medford

Helmet, platinum-selling, stadium-playing, genuine global metal superstars, are playing an outdoor show in the downtown Medford Commons headlining the Melomane Music Festival. Besides the fact that’s it’s gonna be epic, it’s worth going just to see the confused looks on the faces of people wondering either what that noise is, or, is that Helmet? That can’t be Helmet, can it?

Matisyahu – Fri., July 14 at Britt

Matisyahu has some great singles in the reggae world. But forget them. They’re lightweight. There are few thrills in life comparable to watching Matisyahu and his backing band, Dub Trio, descend into the abyss of psychedelic dub jams—heavy on beatboxing—that can stretch well over ten minutes, and emerge stronger than ever. Add to that, that the headling act that night is a reunion show from British legends, UB40, and this is a night not to be missed.

The Temptations and The Four Tops – Sat., July 15 at Britt

Why should you go see The Temptations? Uh… lessee, how about, “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Get Ready,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and “I Can’t Get Next To You,” for a start. The band’s discography is the story of a generation, and includes many of Motown’s deepest cuts.

Chris Stapleton – Sat., July 29 at Country Crossing Music Festival

Even country haters will have to begrudgingly admit, Chris Stapleton’s resume is fearsome. He’s written songs for George Strait, Adele, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisey, Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow and more. And that’s before you even get to his Grammys and CMAs. And his solo work leaves the twangy pop of Nashville behind to focus on earnest, soulful, Americana ballads in the vein of classic era Willie Nelson. If you like good songs, sung with bottomless heart, Stapleton is your man.

Petunia and The Vipers – Sat., August 12 at Modern Roots Foundation in Ashland

Petunia & The Vipers are like a country band crossed with a circus troupe crossed with the painting, “American Gothic.” The band is as much performance art troupe as it is a band, yodeling, looking and sounding both otherworldly, and totally American. Don’t miss this show.

Digisaurus – Wed., August 30 at Johnny B’s

There were only a handful of people at Digisaurus last Southern Oregon appearance, but they were treated to a festival-grade show and band, complete with full light show and buzz-worthy electro-pop singles on a club stage. The band calls itself futurepop, and they aren’t kidding. By next year (the future), you may be saying you saw Digisaurus when. When? August 30 at Johnny B’s.