Thu., May 26, 9 p.m., Nevada County Fairgrounds, $20-$250
English R&B singer and guitarist James Hunter returns to the area to headline the first day of the annual Strawberry Music Festival. MOJO magazine crowned him “the United Kingdom’s greatest soul singer” upon reviewing Hold On!, his latest release for Daptone Records, and the praise for his album is anything but hyperbole. Also on the weekend’s ticket is the David Grisman quartet, the Wood Brothers, Mavis Staples, Tim O’Brien and Mary Gauthier. Bring a blanket, low-back chair and a smile to one of the best venues within a 100-mile radius. The festival runs through Sunday, May 29. 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, www.jameshuntermusic.com.
(SN&R)