MAY 20-24

Hawaii Opera Theatre hammers out Verdi’s epic “Il Trovatore.” Grammy-nominated mezzo-soprano Victoria Livengood, pictured, stars.

8 p.m. May 20, 4 p.m. May 22, 7 p.m. May 24 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $34-$135 / ticketmaster.com or 866-448-7849

MAY 31

Above & Beyond made a huge name for itself with electronic dance music, but members Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamaki are trained instrumentalists as well. They returned to their acoustic roots a few years ago and have been touring with a new album.

6:30 p.m. / Waikiki Shell / $45-$125 / ticketmaster.com or 866-448-7849

JUNE 7

Kool & the Gang has stayed cool through four decades of music-making. How else would you appear on the soundtrack to both “Saturday Night Fever” (“Open Sesame”) and “Pulp Fiction” (“Jungle Boogie”)?

7 p.m. / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $49.50-$99.50 / ticketmaster.com or 866-448-7849

JUNE 8

Esperanza Spalding brings her Emily’s D+Evolution tour to town. The jazz bassist, cellist and singer has won four Grammys and played the White House and the Nobel Prize ceremony.

8 p.m. / The Republik / $35 / flavorus.com or 855-235-2867. Also June 7 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. mauiarts.org

JUNE 16

Puzzlemeister Will Shortz, editor of the New York Times crossword, will discuss his lifelong passion for words and lead word games with the audience.

7 p.m. / Hawaii Theatre / $27-57 / hawaiitheatre.com or 528-0506

TICKER

>> Virgin Island duo R. City has composed hits for artists including Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber. 9 p.m. May 21, The Republik, $20-$30, flavorus.com or 855-235-2867

>> British Goth-rockers the Cure return for a twin bill in Honolulu. 7:30 p.m. July 16 and 17, Blaisdell Arena, $25-$250, ticketmaster.com or 866-448-7849