Fine Chicago guitarist Rockin’ Johnny Burgin hits the metro, backed by the excellent Honeyboy Turner Band from Lincoln. Rockin’ Johnny’s playing has jump, sparkle and can swing in the tradition of players like T-Bone Walker. He can also put down some raucous licks in the Chicago blues style of his hometown. He’s been recorded by Chicago’s legendary Delmark Records label. He’s backed for these dates by Lincoln’s Honeyboy Turner Band, a tight, jumpin’ ensemble that is an OEAA nominee for Best Blues artist. Honeyboy Turner Band released the smart, danceable CD Billiard Playin’ Mama earlier this year. The group shares the bill with J.W. Jones at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 p.m. Rockin’ Johnny and Honey Boy Turner Band hit Havana Garage Saturday, Nov 9, 9 p.m. See honeyboyturner.com and rockinjohnnyband.com.
J.W. Jones
Guitarist J.W. Jones is a Canadian Maple Leaf Awards winner and multiple nominee. He is touring in support of his seventh CD and is in-demand as a touring artist, having performed in 19 countries so far. James has collaborated directly with artists from Kim Wilson, who produced his 2004 CD My Kind of Evil, to Colin James, David “Fathead” Newman, Charlie Musselwhite and Hubert Sumlin. See jw-jones.com. J.W. Jones band shares the night with Rockin’ Johnny and Honeyboy Turner Band at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Zoo Bar Music
Zoo Bar favorites the Tijuana Gigolos hold down the Friday early show, Nov. 8, 5-7 p.m. The eclectic indie-pop sounds of Austin’s Please, Please Me are up on Sunday, Nov. 10, 6-9 p.m. I really enjoy this band’s upbeat, cello-inflected pop that they call “poetry you can dance to.” See thepleasepleaseme.com.
French Folk Steampunk
If you’re looking for eclectic new music, Frenchy & The Punk, a duo from New York City, have two local shows. Their press says, “imagine Django Reinhardt, the White Stripes, Johnny Ramone, Siouxsie Sioux and Edith Piaf jamming together at an event hosted by Deepak Chopra and Toulouse Lautrec.” Check frenchyandthepunk.com. See them at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Thursday, Nov. 7, 9 p.m. and at Side Door Lounge Friday, Nov. 8, 9 p.m.
Bastard Sons
Mark Stuart & The Bastard Sons (formerly Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash) play Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Thursday, Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m. The band is at The Sydney in Benson Friday, Nov 8, along with The Williards and Randy Burk.
Hot Notes
Mark your calendars for the OEAA Awards Music Nominees Showcase Friday, Dec. 6, in Benson.