R&B superstar, dancer, actor, The Voice judge, Cheerios spokesman: Throughout his 20-year career, Usher has worn many hats, some that make more sense than others. But no matter what he does, it’s done with a finesse all his own. His voice is always as smooth as his dance moves, even when he’s sharing the spotlight with an animated honeybee. Though his eighth full-length, UR, is still in the works, the singer already has two decades’ worth of hits—including “You Make Me Wanna . . . ” “U Don’t Have to Call,” “OMG,” and, most recently, “She Came to Give It to You”—to entertain audiences with during this “UR Experience” show. With August Alsina, DJ Cassidy. KeyArena, 305 Harrison St., 684-7200, keyarena.com. 7:30 p.m. $35 and up. All ages.

Singer/songwriter Gabriel Mintz’s latest, Future Wars, is the perfect blend of psychedelic riffs and a more modern rock sound. It has an aged feel, but a mix of folk grooves (“So Close,” “In Us You Trust,” “Killing Me”), instrumental features (“An Ode to Hans Zimmer,” “Demeter”), heavier elements (“Late This Morning,” “Science”), and Mintz’s downright pretty voice keep it feeling fresh. Those vocals exude both a warmth and an ache and can take on an impressive Beck-like quality, especially on album opener “Castles Fall”; and the songwriter’s mix of light and dark folk makes for a contrasting yet engaging listen. With Zachary Lucky. Lo-Fi Performance Gallery, 429 Eastlake Ave. E., 254-2824, thelofi.net. 8 p.m. $6. 21 and over.

For 10 years, Nectar Lounge has welcomed artists from every genre under the sun. Hip-hop and reggae, Americana and bluegrass, dance and electronic: You name it, Nectar has hosted it. The venue will follow suit for Nectar’s 10th Anniversary Party, a two-night extravaganza packed with an eclectic lineup of local artists. The first night will feature Picoso, Project Lionheart, Trolls Cottage, and Clinton Fearon, and will be hosted by Davin Stedman of Staxx Brothers. Crack Sabbath, BShorty (aka Blake Lewis), the Cumbierios, and others will keep the celebration going on night two on Friday. Nectar Lounge, 412 N. 36th St., 632-2020, nectarlounge.com. 8 p.m. Free. 21 and over.

Sturgill Simpson’s show tonight at the Tractor is sold out. But you can still read about him

here

.