You never know what you’re going to get when you see The Roots in concert. The band has over 15 years of material to draw from and ten albums full of hits that often keep audiences dancing from the start of their concerts until the last note is played. They thoroughly wear the title “legendary” well not just because they’re one of the best hip-hop groups of all time (which they are), but collectively, they’re one of the best bands of the 20th century, period. It’s no secret they recently started working as the house band for the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show—a sort of precarious gig that initially set the Internets on fire with anticipation and angst. Having watched a couple of episodes personally (the band sports tuxedos and full late night regalia) The Roots don’t seem nearly as out of place as Fallon does. They’re always the masters of the ceremony wherever they go, and their short stint out to the Pacific Northwest this week will be no different. Expect a party rocking set of music that’s as diverse and genre crossing as anything you’ve ever seen within the realm of hip-hop. I’ve seen them cover G ‘n R’s “Sweet Child of Mine” and Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” back to back if that gives you a clue.

Thu., April 9, 8 p.m., 2009