Uncle Kracker is back (no, that's not a threat)

Say 'Uncle'Uncle Kracker scored a huge hit with his debut record from 2000, "Double Wide," a mix of pop, rock, country and hip-hop. He's touring now behind his most recent release, "Happy Hour," which leans more heavily on the pop/rock side of things. 9 p.m. Friday, March 19, at Austin's Fuel Room, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville. $22 general admission. Call (847) 549-1972 or go to ticketweb.com.New look, same soundAlice in Chains, one of the key bands in the "grunge"/alternative revolution of the 1990s, re-formed in 2009, nearly eight years after the death of singer Layne Staley, with new vocalist William DuVall. The group's booming guitar attack remains as heavy as ever. 8 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence, Chicago. $40. Call (773) 472-0449 or go to ticketmaster.com.Money manFew artists had a run like Eddie Money did from the late 1970s to the late 1980s, when he produced a string of radio hits that included "Think I'm In Love," "Shakin'," "Take Me Home Tonight" and "Walk on Water." If you were in school then, chances are you made out to one of his songs. Money brings his meat-and-potatoes act to the suburbs next week.10 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at Cubby Bear North, 21661 N. Milwaukee, Lincolnshire. $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Call (847) 541-4700.