Music notes: Jay-Z returns to the UC

Back in town

Rapper, producer and business mogul Jay-Z returns to Chicago next week as part of the Magna Carter Tour. Now that Jay-Z lives a one-percenter life with his equally glittery wife, Beyoncé, it might be tempting to write him off as a hip-hop artist. But as his recent tours with Kanye West and Justin Timberlake prove, Jay-Z can still deliver rhymes on stage.

8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, Chicago. Tickets start at $99.50. Go to ticketmaster.com.

Local favorite

Alt-country artist Bobby Bare Jr. has a unique relationship with Chicago. Many of his albums have been released on the local Bloodshot label, and he makes frequent stops at the area's clubs, always seeming to save his most ferocious performances for local audiences. The younger Bare, whose father is country legend Bobby Bare, can play it twangy as well as anyone in Nashville, but he also brings elements of blues, soul and indie rock into the mix. And, as mentioned, he's a powerhouse presence live.

8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $15. Go to citywinery.com/chicago.

Cover this

Mike & Joe, a well-regarded cover band with roots in the suburbs, will perform in Palatine this weekend in an effort to get your 2014 off to a rockin' start. The band delivers energetic versions of all kinds of modern rock songs.

10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine. $7. Go to durtynellies.com.