SOUND ADVICE: Neil Young, Carrie Underwood and more May shows to look forward to

It's still spring, but summer music season has basically started, and venues have been announcing concerts faster than we can keep up. That's a good thing!

So here's a rundown of the big shows we're excited about through the rest of May, from country to folk to Prince.

May 11
Colin Hay
The former Men at Work frontman has had quite a late career resurgence as a solo performer, no doubt helped by an appearance on the platinum-selling Garden State soundtrack. His latest album, Fierce Mercy, finds him as experimental as ever, and he and his backing band hit Airway Heights next week. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 7:30 pm. $39-$69.

May 16
Art Garfunkel
One of the most distinctive voices of his generation, Art Garfunkel of course rose to fame based on his collaborations with Paul Simon, but he's had an even longer career as a solo musician, actor and writer. His "In Close Up" tour showcases his unique interpretations of traditionals and all those Simon & Garfunkel classics. Fox Theater, 7:30pm. $40-$75.

May 16
4 U Prince
Billed as "a non-stop Prince party," this celebration of the Purple One's legacy is different from your typical tribute. It features a live band and a symphony orchestra, putting a totally new spin on pop classics like "1999" and "Kiss." First Interstate Center for the Arts, 7:30 pm. $32.50-$67.50

May 17
Thomas Rhett
The first of several big country shows this month, Thomas Rhett is one of the biggest rising stars in the country scene right now. His new album is dropping at the end of May, and its lead single "Look What God Gave Her" has already cracked the Top 10 of the country charts. Spokane Arena, 7 pm. $31.75-$91.75.

May 18
Neil Young
The folk-rock legend was last in Spokane in 2015, performing at the Arena with Lukas Nelson's Promise of the Real backing him up. He'll be back later this month, but with a more stripped-down show: It's just him and his guitar, and we've got our fingers crossed that he plays more than just the radio-worn classics of his long, iconic career. Fox Theater, 7:30 pm. $59.50-$150.


May 22
Carrie Underwood
It's arguable that American Idol never produced a star quite as huge as Carrie Underwood: She's sold more albums and won more Grammys than any other former contestant, and her Cry Pretty tour is likely to sell out all over the country. It just kicked off a couple nights ago, and it will bring Underwood to the Inland Northwest for the first time since 2016. Spokane Arena, 7 pm. $46-$96.

May 30
Charley Pride
May closes with another notable country show, but this time it's with a bona fide legend. Charley Pride has racked up more than 50 Top 10 country hits in his five-decade career — not to mention his brief and successful stint as a gospel artist — and he's still making albums at 85. That's no small feat. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 7:30 pm. $69-$89.