The last time funky little Janelle Monaé was in town, she opened for and completely stole the show from of Montreal at the Paramount. Performing songs from her brilliant ArchAndroid album, Monaé’s got a wildly versatile voice, a chic personal style (she was one of maybe two women to wear a tuxedo to last month’s Met Gala), and a swaggering, magnetizing stage presence. She’s one of the most compelling performers of our time and certainly doesn’t need to be warming up for anyone anymore. But, perhaps in a bid to expand her audience, she’s currently on a co-headlining tour with Top 40 favorite and fellow Motown throwback Bruno Mars. Gunning for the mainstream is a natural move for Monáe—she’s a diva, and everyone should know it. And even if Mars gets the closing time slot, we bet Monáe—space costumes, zombie backup dancers, and all—will still put in the night’s most talked-about performance. With Mayer Hawthorne & the County. ERIN K. THOMPSON

Thu., June 2, 7:30 p.m., 2011