BEST BET: Masse & Cray

Double delight

IOWA CITY - We're feeling the Englert love.

The restored theater at 221. E. Washington St. is a happening place this month, with upcoming concerts by Heather Masse at 8 p.m. Saturday and the Robert Cray Band at 8 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the Landlocked Film Festival.

Songstress Masse has been a Wailin' Jenny and a Wayfaring Stranger who's no stranger to “A Prairie Home Companion” fans.

If you haven't discovered the joy of her breathy, smoky alto vibe, here's your chance. She'll be singing lead with her solo band, drenching the Englert with her rich, velvety sound.

This New Yorker who grew up in Maine has a degree in jazz voice from the New England Conservatory of Music. Her straight, pure tone slides easily between genres, from folk and jazz to bluegrass and pop. Who knows what's in store for local audiences.

Also on the bill that night is Lake Street Dive, a Boston-based band featuring Iowa City native Bridget Kearney. Her bio at www.lakestreetdive.com/bios.html says that's why she's so nice. It also says: “She writes songs that are at the same time funky and heartbreaking, and make you want to dance in your underpants.” We'll hike up our britches and take her word for it.

Multiple Grammy-winner Robert Cray hits the hall Tuesday, with his blended blues. He describes his sound as having “a little rock, soul, jazz, blues, a little gospel feel,” with an occasional dash of Caribbean spice. Oh so nice.

Tickets for Masse are $10 in advance and $12 day of show, general admission. Reserved seat tickets for Cray are $49 and $55.

Buy 'em through the Englert Box Office, (319) 688-2653, or www.iowatix.com For details, go to www.englert.org

- Diana Nollen