For this tour, R. Kelly is performing as "Mr. Showbiz," and audiences can expect an elaborate presentation from a crooner who may be unsure of his future, but who is going for broke to entertain nonetheless. Expect Kelly to push boundaries in every sense of the word, including far-out new song arrangements: His recent Radio City Music Hall gig reportedly included an operatic rendition of "Feelin' on Yo Booty." Backed by a DJ, Kelly runs through quick-shot medleys of his many R&B hits, most of which feature his undeniably infectious, worm-like melodies that burrow deep into the brain, whether or not they're invited there. Best of all, he assumes the roles of the multiple characters from his infamous "Trapped in the Closet" serial. Kelly sings for his life on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland at 8 p.m. Admission is $39.50-$75.00. Call (510) 465-6400 or visit www.paramounttheatre.com for more info. — Tamara Palmer
There is nothing new I can tell you about the Fall or its leader Mark E. Smith (who really is the Fall and who resembles a mummified corpse nowadays). But I can say this: Live at the Witch Trials ('79) and The Wonderful Frightening World of the Fall ('84) are two of the world's greatest rock albums because Smith spits lyrical venom like no other (Hit 'em on the head with a two-by-four), and his band busts caustic, fingernails-across-the-chalkboard dance grooves that make my ass move, as if Can, the Velvet Underground, the Buzzcocks, and James Brown had all wrapped themselves into a single funkin' behemoth. But will the Fall be any good live this time? Well, that's always the question when the band, which has been around since '77, takes the stage here, and it can only be answered by buying a ticket. The Fall performs on Sunday, May 14, and Monday, May 15, at the Independent at 8 p.m. Admission is $20; call 771-1422 or visit www.independentsf.com for more info. — Justin F. Farrar
