Kalu & the Electric Joint, David Ramirez, Danilo (EP release), Electrophunck (DJ set)

Kalu James approached artistic metamorphosis before the pandemic, but his quintet’s late June appearance at a sold-out Continental Club evidenced new performance heights. The Nigerian-rooted singer, who’d already delegated rhythm guitar duties, possesses powerful frontman moves to compliment his inspirational presence. Recent singles “Downfall,” about love conquering all, and “Mirror,” about how we see ourselves in our saviors, hit potently. Meanwhile, Brazilian-born local Danilo, owner of a sweet and soaring voice, christens his All I Want EP with enchanting melodic pop. Fresh off a rambunctious guest spot during Matthew Logan Vasquez’s hit parade at Hotel Vegas last Saturday, Austin songwriting sage David Ramirez commands the mic second, after his frequent collaborator and in-demand producer Jason Burt, performing again after the headliner as Electrophunck. – Kevin Curtin