LUCINDA WILLIAMS The first show of her two shows here is sold out, so this is your only chance to catch the revered singer-songwriter (pictured) in the intimate confines of the Paradise. Williams, who’s been in top form on her last few albums, is touring in support of her latest release, the conceptual “The Ghosts of Highway 20.’’ March 22. 7 p.m. $35. Paradise Rock Club. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

MEAT LOAF No one does high drama quite like the man born Marvin Lee Aday. At 68, hard to say how much longer this loaf will be cooking, but as long as he’s singing “Paradise By the Dashboard Light,’’ “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,’’ and “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That),’’ we’ll be pulling a chair up to the table. March 23. 8 p.m. $57-$97. Lynn Auditorium. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com

EXPERIENCE HENDRIX This all-star, multi-generational guitar extravaganza, a tribute to the late great axmaster, is making several area stops, but Worcester is the only gig for which tickets remain. So if you want to see the likes of Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Zakk Wylde, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd tearing it up on one stage, go west. March 23. 7:30 p.m. $48- $88. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, Worcester. 877-571-7469, www.thehanover theatre.orgSARAH RODMAN

Sarah Rodman can be reached at srodman@globe.com.