Concert picks
R. Kelly, 7:30 p.m. today at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $45/$100. (312) 559-1212.
On the heels of a Grammy nomination and still -- after five years -- facing child pornography charges, Chicago R&B impresario R. Kelly embarks on yet another tour. The new "Double Up" tour features Kelly with singer and reality television personality Keyshia Cole, songwriting newcomer Ne-Yo and J. Holiday. Judging from recent reviews, the scandals have hurt Kelly's ticket sales as he's been playing to half-empty arenas. The show has not turned away from his more sexually explicit material: On the set list are hits spanning 15 years, including "Sex Me," "Bump N Grind" to more recent fare like "I'm a Flirt" and "Sweet Tooth."
Robbie Fulks with Dolly Varden and Devil in a Woodpile, 9 p.m. today at the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., Chicago. $10.
Chicago luminaries Robbie Fulks, Dolly Varden and country-blues trio Devil in a Woodpile play this show benefiting Project Peanut Butter, a St. Louis-based not-for-profit that works to provide food relief to children living in Malawi. The group's name comes from its main source of nutrition: The organization uses peanut butter-based, ready-to-use therapeutic food that is made and distributed on-site by local researchers and doctors. Visit projectpeanutbutter.com.
The Jones Street Boys, 9 p.m. today at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. $25. (773) 281-444.
Country bands living in Brooklyn is not as strange as it seems, considering the New York borough has delivered artists from Shannon McNally to Ollabelle. Following those footsteps comes The Jones Street Boys, a group of bluegrass traditionalists who approach the music with defined punk fervor. The band's latest release is "Overcome" (Smith Street). Visit jonesstreetboys.com. Door price of tonight's show includes a "hosted bar package."
Chicago Calling IV: Another Very Special Clash Christmas, 10 p.m. Saturday at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. $10. (773) 525-2508.
London Calling, Chicago's premier Clash tribute band -- featuring members of local outfits The Safes, The Slugs, Stiff Little Fingers, Skapone and others -- assembles once more for this annual holiday blowout, featuring Clash songs from throughout their career. Helping open is All Mods Conned, featuring songs of The Jam, and Frankie and Patrick O'Malley of The Safes. Your money benefits the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, a Chicago not-for-profit focusing on children advocacy issues.