JAZZ
Bobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin, known eternally for his 1988 hit “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” will play the Pantages Theater in Tacoma. Though simple minded folks like me can’t separate McFerrin from his aforementioned feel good radio gem of the late ’80s, the man is much more than a bubble gum one hit wonder. He’s a celebrated and revered classical conductor, known worldwide for his talents. He’s an amazing jazz singer. He’s one of the best vocal improvisers of all time. He’s won 10 Grammy awards, for gawd’s sake. Bobby McFerrin is a talented SOB, and there’s no need for haters like me to joke. â€" Matt Driscoll
[Pantages Theater, 3 p.m., $39-$52, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894]

BLUES
Back to Beale Street
The Back to Beale Street blues competition 2009 is just around the corner, and the South Sound Blues Association is already looking for the best band to represent them. Today, Jazzbones will be hosting the first round of the most anticipated blues event in the state. The annual event is a contest to pick the best blues band in the state to send to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Structured like a “battle of the bands” competition, each group is judged on blues content, originality, talent and stage presence during their 30-minute set. The final four out of 10 advance to the next round on the 4th of July.

This year’s competition is nothing to sneeze at as some of the hottest blues acts in the region were selected to take part in Back to Beale Street 2009. Returning champions, the Randy Oxford Band and the Michal Miller Band both hope to make a return trip to the big show. But they’ll have some stiff competition in the Crossroads Band, Seatown Rhythm and Blues Players, the Mike Wright band, Marino Silver, the Brown and Blues Band and New Sheriff in Town. â€" Tony Engelhart
[Jazzbones, 4 p.m., $5-$10, all ages, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

POP
Good On Paper
The band’s ultra familiar, ’80s born twee pop may be the perfect soundtrack for warm nights and sun-baked lazy afternoons, but it’s just as comforting when the clouds are endless and the barometer reads crummy. That’s how it looks outside my window. How about yours?  Good on Paper will play Le Voyeur tonight. If seasonal affective disorder has got you down, this band may be just the remedy you’re after. â€" MD
[Le Voyeur, with The Great White Jenkins, Crayonsmith, and Aleks and the Ramps, 10 p.m., no cover, 404 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

LINK: Board Game Geekfest and more in the clubs tonight.
LINK: Catch an afternoon play.
LINK: Check out the movie starting times here.
LINK: Let’s eat at a bistro today.