Ray of Sunshine

For too long, the Kinks have been the most underrated of English rock bands. Despite being quite a bit less popular stateside than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Who, the Kinks was-at its best-easily the equal of any of those groups, thanks in no small part to the songwriting genius of Ray Davies. Now, Davies performs and records solo, though his keen eye for character detail hasn't dimmed and his lyrical focus on class and the changing world around him remains strong. Appearing at the Grove for a special acoustic performance, Davies may not blow out any amps this night, but his biting wit will shake you regardless.
Tue., July 22, 8 p.m., 2008