Top Five Live: Hip-hop, honky-tonk and more

Picks from freelance writer Seth Johnson and Star reporter David Lindquist for the best Central Indiana concerts happening Oct. 9-15.

Joey Bada$$

8 p.m. Oct 15, Deluxe in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $22, (317) 231-0000, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/102961341.

At the age of 17, this budding Brooklyn rapper released his debut “1999” mixtape to critical acclaim, prompting many comparisons to “Illmatic”-era Nas. The co-founder of the Pro Era hip-hop collective issued his debut album titled “B4.DA.$$” on his 20th birthday: Jan. 20, 2015. To promote the recording, Bada$$ toured the world throughout the summer with Chicago’s Mick Jenkins, who headlined the inaugural Chreece hip-hop festival in Fountain Square earlier this year.

Helado Negro

9 p.m. Oct. 14, the Hi-Fi, 1043 Virginia Ave., $10 to $12, (317) 493-1209, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/102940105.

Experimental electronic artist Helado Negro has issued four albums on indie label Asthmatic Kitty, including last year's "Double Youth." Born Roberto Carlos Lange to Ecuadorean parents in Florida, the bilingual Helado Negro makes music inspired by his upbringing and often sings in both English and Spanish. In 2014, Helado Negro performed during opening-night festivities for the CityWay location of the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art.

Wayne Hancock

9 p.m. Oct. 9, White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St., $15, (317) 686-9550, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/102586296.

With a classic honky-tonk sound, Wayne Hancock has been characterized as a “roots Renaissance man” and the “country singer's country singer.” Since the release of his debut album back in 1995, the man known to many as "The Train" has collected countless comparisons to Hank Williams. “Wayne Hancock has more Hank Sr. in him than either I or Hank Williams Jr.,” Hank Williams III once said. “He is the real deal.”

Diarrhea Planet

7 p.m. Oct. 10, Hoosier Dome, 1627 Prospect St., $12, (317) 289-4293, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/100910697.

This raging rock ‘n’ roll band from Nashville scored the No. 1 spot on Paste Magazine’s list of “The 25 Best Live Acts of 2014.” But the band isn't too big to neglect the intimate Hoosier Dome space, sometimes even visiting the venue multiple times a year. This time, Indy’s Brother O’ Brother and Cincinnati’s Injecting Strangers will join Diarrhea Planet on the bill.

Dave & Rob's 14th anniversary Melody Inn party

7 p.m. Oct. 9, Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., $7, (317) 923-4707, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/104006135.

Since purchasing the historic Melody Inn back in 2001, Dave Brown and Rob Ondrish have thrown thousands of shows, bringing bands from all around the world to Indianapolis. In celebration of 14 years of ownership, the duo has put together a big anniversary party, with performances from Jay Elliot (of Indy’s Stereo Deluxe), Pinky Doodle Poodles (from Tokyo) and more.