The best music in Kansas City this weekend: James McMurtry, Galactic, Lolo and Freakwater

Chris Young continues to craft hit songs a decade after he won the “Nashville Star” TV competition. He applies his honeyed voice to odes about unwavering love, respecting one’s elders and appreciating the inner beauty of women. The comforting approach has earned Young a loyal following among mainstream country fans. With Cassadee Pope.

Tickets range from $35 to $55 in advance through midlandkc.com.

Thursday’s sprawling bill at Knuckleheads is one of the best ways to experience this week’s Folk Alliance International Conference without setting foot in the Westin Crown Center. Acerbic singer/songwriter James McMurtry is one of many notable artists in the showcase. With David Olney, High Plains Jamboree, Curtis McMurtry, Bob Walkenhorst, the Hardship Letters, Scott Nolan and Mike Stinson.

Tickets are $10 in advance through knuckleheadskc.com.

The winner of Friday’s Teen Battle of the Bands contest will be awarded a spot in the lineup of Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest in May. The Greeting Committee, a young Kansas City indie-pop band that has quickly earned an avid following, will perform after the Westerns, Theta Intellect, Tall Tales, the Yotes and Counter Culture compete.

Tickets are $5 in advance through nelson-atkins.org.

Music geeks can happily argue about whether Galactic is the world’s best funk band, but there should be no debate about the whereabouts of the best party music in the area on Friday. Galactic, one of the most notable bands to emerge from New Orleans in the past 20 years, will demonstrate at Liberty Hall why it’s revered as a party-starting juggernaut. With the Suffers.

Tickets are $21.50 in advance through libertyhall.net.

The music of Lauren Pritchard, a Tennessee-based artist who records as Lolo, will immediately appeal to fans of like-minded artists including ZZ Ward and Leon Bridges. Pritchard’s soulful voice and memorable songs earned her a spot on this month’s installment of the taste-making Communion Night tour. With Allan Rayman, Whiskey Shivers and My Oh My.

Tickets are $8 in advance through thetankroom.com.

Bucky Baxter played a variety of stringed instruments and keyboards on recordings by brilliant songwriters including Bob Dylan and Steve Earle. The initial efforts of his son Rayland indicate that the promising artist from Tennessee may eventually join the ranks of those stars. Baxter songs including “Mr. Rodriguez” have been warmly embraced by folk-rock audiences.

Tickets are $10 in advance through thegranada.com.

As solo performers, Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt are formidable artists. As musical partners, the Austin-based couple play to each other’s strengths. Elkin possesses an angelic voice, while Schmidt is a highly respected singer/songwriter. The duo will mark the conclusion of the Folk Alliance International Conference with a collaboration in Lenexa sponsored by the Green Guitar Folk House. With Sky Smeed.

Tickets are $15 in advance through greenguitarfolk.com.

Freakwater has been making ragged but right alternative country for about 25 years. The endearingly wobbly harmonies of Cathy Irwin and Janet Bean intertwine on songs that provide ideal accompaniment for cradling broken hearts and pondering mortality. With Jaye Jayle and Morgan Geer’s Drunken Prayer.

Tickets are $12 in advance through theriotroom.com.

Mainstays of Kansas City’s jazz scene, David Basse and Joe Cartwright have combined their talents for a new project that will further burnish their already formidable legacies. They’ll celebrate the release of “Live at Pilgrim Chapel,” a duet album that features Cartwright’s powerful piano work and Basse’s distinctive vocals, on Sunday afternoon.

Tickets are $11.50 in advance through eventbrite.com.

“White Iverson,” a rippling mishmash of the waviest aspects of Drake, Future and Fetty Wap, was one of the biggest hip-hop hits of 2015. Kanye West took notice. Post Malone is featured on the controversial star’s new album. The Dallas-based rapper with only two official singles under his belt is in the midst of a national headlining tour.

Tickets are $20 in advance through thegranada.com.

A Philadelphia-based band signed to the prestigious Omaha label Saddle Creek, Hop Along is one of the most estimable acts on the indie-rock circuit. The damaged voice of Frances Quinlan and the angular guitar style of Joe Reinhart separate Hop Along from its less dexterous peers. With La Guerre and Doby Watson.

Tickets are $10 in advance through theriotroom.com.

A series of impressive mixtapes on which the Maryland-based rapper characterized himself as “Young Sinatra” propelled Logic to stardom. “The Incredible True Story,” Logic’s second official album, topped Billboard’s R&B and rap charts in November. Tuesday’s show was moved from the Granada to the larger Uptown Theater to accommodate high demand. With Dizzy Wright.

Tickets are $25 in advance through uptowntheater.com.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 2:00 AM with the headline "The best music in Kansas City this weekend: James McMurtry, Galactic, Lolo and Freakwater."