Tuesday, May 6
Since M.I.A. rode a Clash sample to paydirt six years ago with “Paper Planes,” the Sri Lankan-born Londoner has amassed heaps of critical acclaim for her socially conscious, genre-blending tracks, including her latest smash, “Bad Girls.” She’s at the State Theatre (609 Congress St. Portland) with Harlem rapper A$AP Ferg opening at 8 p.m. Tix: $25-$30 (age restriction may apply). 800-745-3000. statetheatreportland.com. And up at the Strand Theatre (345 Main St., Rockland), Jay Farrar (of Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt fame) plays his alt-country songs with UK Americana (yes, that’s a thing) singer-songwriter Peter Bruntnel opening at 7:30 p.m. Tix: $20 (all ages). 594-0070. rocklandstrand.com.