Vermont-based Grace Potter and the Nocturnals were the best-kept secret of the do-it-yourself rock world for several years until they signed with a small label and then burst into the mainstream spotlight with their eponymous third album in 2010.

Fronted by dynamic singer/multi-instrumentalist Potter, who combines a raw and bluesy voice with genre-defying songwriting skills and a sizzling stage presence, the band has managed to keep its credibility among music connoisseurs and indie purists at the same time it has achieved popular acceptance.

Their reputation for fierce live shows is one big reason they've achieved such wide acclaim. The band's musically and emotionally versatile, so pretty much anyone can hook on to at least some of their songs.

You can check out the alluring Potter and listen to the band's catchy but substantial blues-folk-pop-rock songs Friday at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg. The Futurebirds, an up-and-coming Athens-based Southern rock-ish outfit, opens.

Details: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. Jannus Live, 220 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. (727) 565-0550, jannuslive.com.

--Marty Clear