From the Arts board, here are seven concerts in the next two weeks in the Boston area. Cure your midterm blues with rock, reggae, and rap.
1. Tuesday 21, 6:30 p.m.—Flogging Molly, House of Blues
Celtic punk veteran group Flogging Molly has been tearing up shows for 15 years with its unique blend of traditional Irish and modern American sensibilities. These Boston favorites pair crunching guitar riffs with uillean pipes, fiddles, and banjos. Expect foot-stomping raucousness.
2. Wednesday 22, 7 p.m.—The Del Fuegos, Paradise Rock Club
The Del Fuegos are on a reunion tour after a two-decade hiatus. This 1980s Boston garage rock band features bass-driven riffs and the raspy vocals of Grammy-winning front man Dan Zanes.
3. FEATURED: Thursday 23, 8 p.m.—Sharon Van Etten, Paradise Rock Club
Singer-songwriter Van Etten is fresh off of the release of her critically acclaimed third album, "Tramp," and an appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Her dense harmonies, delicate guitar and down-to-earth lyrics are complemented by her expressive, floating vocals.
4. Sunday 26, 7 p.m.—Steel Pulse with Galactic, House of Blues
The choppy rhythms, bright organs, and cool vocals of Steel Pulse come straight out of the heyday of reggae.
5. Monday 27, 8 p.m.—Black Milk, Middle East Club Upstairs
Detroit-based rapper Black Milk brings his socially conscious themes and sharp lyricism to the East Coast. He is also a skilled producer—he weaves together samples from R&B, jazz, rock, and reggae.
6. Wednesday 29, 6:30 p.m.—August Burns Red, House of Blues
The metalcore band August Burns reinvents Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" with hectic, head-banging forcefulness.
7. Saturday 3, 8 p.m.—Reykjavik Calling, Paradise Rock Club
No, Bjork will not be there, but many artists from her homeland of Iceland will be sharing their distinctive music at this festival. These artists will collaborate with American acts in a show that should produce some very strange and enthralling results. Plus, it's totally free.