I dedicate this week to all the ladies. Yes, all of them, your wife included. We dudes are quite fond of you mysterious creatures and your pleasant voices — please keep up the good work. In honor of all that is lovely about the better half, I present five acts coming through town that owe much, if not all of their appeal to brave, talented women. Behold:

Natalie Merchant, Monday, Davies Symphony Hall

Yes, Merchant is playing Davies Symphony Hall for good reason; she’s teaming up with the San Francisco Symphony to revisit her 2010 album Leave Your Sleep, among other works from her celebrated songbook. The former 10,000 Maniacs lead singer has gone on record to say that she has “finally found a medium to express the depths of her emotion,” a bold statement for one of the strongest voices of the ‘90s contemporary rock scene.

Indigo Girls, Wednesday, Slim’s

Rarely will this famed duo play a venue as small as Slim’s. The legendary folk rockers are known for their intimate musings, but this takes that idea to a new level. The band is also touring with a full band/orchestra, playing in support of their 14th studio album Beauty Queen Sister, released last autumn to generally favorable reviews.

Tu Fawning, Wednesday, Brick & Mortar

This Portland quartet leans smartly on singer Corrina Repp’s fascinating countertenor. Her words hang ominously over a quirky, unpredictable pop landscape, always interesting and forward-thinking. Get thy ears to Brick & Mortar and get weird.  

SFRiot Grrrl, Thursday, The Knockout

First of all, if you haven’t been to the Knockout, make plans now. The venue is one of SF’s most intimate but treasured spaces, with one of the best pieces of signage in the city on its window. Come see what SF Riot Grrrl is all about and experience the timeless allure of The Knockout.

Sea of Bees, Friday, Bottom of the Hill

27-year-old Julie Ann Baenziger’s musical project is gaining some fast momentum, with recent testimonials from NPR, LA Weekly and Portland Mercury. Baenziger and her merry band of oddballs owe the buzz to their sophomore album Orangefarben, which has been receiving plaudits from all the right people.Expect to see and hear about the Sacramento-based fivesome plenty in the coming years.

 @ChrisTrenchard