by B.J. Huchtemann

There are excellent touring shows coming up at The 21st Saloon, beginning with Alligator Records’ Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater this Thursday, Nov. 15. Born in Macon, Miss., in 1935, Clearwater is one of the creative guitarists who helped forge the distinctive West Side Chicago blues sound. Expect vintage rock, gospel and country blues too.

There is an early show Wednesday, Nov. 21, with Southern California harmonica player, singer and inventive songwriter Rick Estrin fronting The Nightcats for a Thanksgiving Eve gig. Estrin was the longtime vocalist for Little Charlie & the Nightcats. There is no show on Thursday, Nov. 22. 

Winding up November is “Braille Blues Daddy” Bryan Lee Thursday, Nov. 29. The 21st has a slew of Hoodoo favorites in December, starting with Texas blues-rockers Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat Thursday, Dec. 6. Coco Montoya plugs in for a special show Tuesday, Dec. 11. Mark your calendar now for the Dec. 13 CD release party by Minneapolis’ Scottie Miller. Miller’s new disc, Rise Up, is excellent. It showcases his original music that mixes New Orleans keyboard funk, blues, rock and Americana. Miller’s “day job” is playing keys in Ruthie Foster’s band. The 21st Saloon blues shows happen 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Zoo Bar Blues
The Red Elvises shake up some high-octane rockabilly Thursday, Nov. 15, 6-9 p.m. The Bel Airs bring their boogie blues to town Friday, Nov. 16, 9 p.m. The Tijuana Gigolos play Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 p. m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, the Zoo hosts a singer-songwriter showcase with Josh Hoyer and Manny Coon featuring L.A.’s soulful David Vidal, one of Hoyer’s personal favorites. Jazzocracy plays Tuesday 6-9 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve it’s bluegrass with the Toasted Ponies 6-9 p.m. followed by honky-tonk & country with Lloyd McCarter’s band after 10 p.m. Magic Slim and friends perform at the Zoo Thanksgiving night, Nov. 22, after 9 p.m. Tommy Castro hits the stage Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6-9 p.m.

Hot Notes

Lawrence, Kansas, band Dumptruck Butterlips features Kris Lager Sunday, Nov. 18, 9 p.m., at The Hive and Monday, Nov. 19, 10 p.m., at the Zoo Bar. Matt Cox hosts his third annual Thanksgiving food drive at The Barley Street Tavern Wednesday, Nov. 21, 9 p.m. See mattcoxmusic.net. Honeyboy Turner gigs at McKenna’s Friday, Nov. 16. Lash LaRue’s Toy Drive is gearing up for another year, launching with the benefit CD release Nov. 29 at Waiting Room. See toydriveforpineridge.com. Jon Dee Graham returns for Sunday Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge Sunday, Dec. 9.

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