The Profiler

The Suspect: Krista Detor

Among her many influences, this singer/songwriter lists caffeine, alcohol, good news, bad news and weather reports. Seems to work … her writing has been compared to the likes of Leonard Cohen, Laura Nyro and Joni Mitchell. Her 2006 release Mudshow received raves on both sides of the Atlantic, and it reached the No. 1 spot on the Euro-Americana Chart. Her third disc, Chocolate Paper Suites is expected to come out later this month.

Can Be Found: The Grey Eagle, Wednesday Sept.15.

RIYD (Recommended if You Dig): Sam Phillips, Over the Rhine, Shawn Colvin.

You Should Go If: You make all your Christmas gifts from found materials; you’ve mastered every aspect of life with the exception of dating; it drives you crazy when people blanketly call any soft drink “Coke”; you can’t resist … shouting out the answers when listening to “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.”

The Suspect: Billy Bragg

This British punk/folk singer songwriter has been performing his style of anti-folk music for more than 30 years. During the ‘80s, he built a substantial following in his home country as he appeared in leftist political rallies and strikes. In 1998, Bragg collaborated with Wilco to create the album Mermaid Avenue, songs based on unrecorded Woody Guthrie material. His latest release, Mr. Love & Justice, finds a kinder, gentler Bragg, more interested in exploring the battlefield of love than actual battlefields.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Friday, Sept. 17.

RIYD: Elvis Costello, the Pogues, Bob Dylan.

You Should Go If: People often tell you that you should have been a lawyer; you keep a running list of friend “deal breakers”; you were expelled from elementary school for convincing your teachers to organize; you can’t resist … defending Ralph Nader’s presidential campaign(s).

The Suspect: Chrisette Michele

Being rejected for American Idol hasn’t seemed to hamper Michele on her journey to the top of the R & B world. She caught her first break after India.Arie spotted her at an open mic at Manhattan’s Village Underground club. She began opening shows for Arie and Angie Stone and soon after she was signed by the Def Jam label. She’s sung hooks for Jay-Z,  recorded a duet with Will.I.Am and worked with producer Babyface.  Catch this star on the rise … she’ll be collecting Grammys before you know it.

Can Be Found: The Orange Peel, Sunday, Sept. 19.

RIYD: Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys.

You Should Go If: You took a vow long ago to keep it real, and you plan on honoring it; you spend 10 percent of your disposable income on your fingernails; it grosses you out when people “kiss” their dog; you can’t resist … watching Being Bobby Brown reruns.

The Suspect: The Black Crowes

It’s been 20 years since the Black Crowes released their first album, Shake Your Money Maker, with the singles “Jealous Again” and “Hard to Handle.” With them they brought the ‘70s-style Robert Plant/Rod Steward swagger and sexiness back to rock ‘n’ roll.  They come to town in the middle of their “Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys Tour,” which will feature two 90-minute sets, one acoustic and one electric.

Can Be Found: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Sunday, Sept. 19.

RIYD: Rolling Stones, CCR, Tom Petty.

You Should Go If: You view under-garments of any kind as tools of oppression; many of your sentences begin with the phrase, “If God had wanted us to ______”; your approach to facial hair might generously be described as laissez-faire; you can’t resist … a good pottery sale and earrings that could double as Christmas ornaments.