Music notes: Genesis songs revisted

Looking back

Steve Hackett, the original guitarist in the British art-pop group Genesis, will perform in the suburbs at two shows this weekend. Hackett is touring behind “Genesis Revisited II,” an album of new interpretations of classic Genesis songs.

8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Tickets start at $39. Go to oshows.com.

Reggae legend

Jimmy Cliff is one of the great artists in reggae, yes, but also in all of pop music. He got his start in Jamaica in the 1960s, then became an international success in the movie “The Harder They Come,” in which he starred and for which he contributed a number of songs to the soundtrack, including the classic title song. His work in the film and the soundtrack introduced reggae to audiences all over the world, but Cliff has never been afraid to add other musical elements to the reggae sound — ska, for instance, as well as American soul. Cliff remains as active today as ever. His 2012 album, “Rebirth,” was produced by Tim Armstrong of the band Rancid, and it won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album. He will perform songs from throughout his career this weekend in the city.

8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Concord Music Hall, 2047 N. Milwaukee, Chicago. Tickets start at $27. Go to concordmusichall.com.

Troubadour returns

Writer, musician, actor and activist Steve Earle is back where many believe he is at his best — playing music live. Earle and his band, the Dukes (and Duchesses), will perform this weekend behind their latest album, the well-received “The Low Highway.” Earle is a wonderful songwriter, infusing his dusty hybrid of country and rock with caustic wit and romanticism.

8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield, Chicago. $35. Go to jamusa.com.