Sat. March 31

Irma Thomas' career has spanned four decades, but her time may be more now than ever. In the spring of last year she released "After the Rain," a CD recorded both before and after Katrina, and it speaks to present day life in New Orleans as well as anyone could want. It won Thomas her first Grammy for "Best Contemporary Blues Album." "I want to say thank you God, and thank you New Orleans," she said, accepting the award. "49 years you believed in me and it finally paid off." Well, we wouldn't measure her worth (or anyone's) in Grammys. Let's hope she doesn't really either. It's not about the awards; it's about the connection you make with people night after night, the way you let them into your life or transform theirs for an hour or two. That, Thomas has done for many years. The gritty soul queen is a longtime Boston favorite; she records with the Burlington-based Rounder Records and its A-level producer Scott Billington. Thomas and her band wrap up a three-night at Regattabar. Tickets: $28. Shows at 7:30 and 10.

Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., 617-661-5000 regattabarjazz.com