by B.J. Huchtemann

This Thursday, Aug. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m., two of Texas’ top roots musicians hit The 21st Saloon. Singer-songwriter Randy McAllister has a soulful voice and lyrics with a distinctive viewpoint. His songs celebrate life and offer modern-day twists on the blues, taking on topics from the humorous to contemporary life's tough situations. Joining McAllister is guitarist Buddy Whittington. He is a six-string slinger who’s renown in Texas and who toured for 15 years with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, replacing Coco Montoya.

Musician’s Musicians
Two big favorites of Zoo Bar musician, bartender and talent booker Josh Hoyer are coming to the metro. California singer-songwriter David Vidal plays the Zoo Tuesday, Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m. A Philadelphia promoter raved, “David’s rich voice enhances the depth of the lyrics and the listener feels you have stumbled on a truth-teller for sure.”
Hoyer also recommends Los Angeles singer-songwriter Kevin Sandbloom. Sandbloom’s vocals have soul and a wide R&B range. Sandbloom’s credits include writing the title track to Robben Ford’s Supernatural album. Kevin Sandbloom hits the Barley Street Thursday, Aug. 23 with Citizen’s Band and plays Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Friday, Aug. 24, after 9 p.m.

Kelly Richey
A performer since 1986, Ohio-based guitarist Kelly Richey was originally inspired by icons like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Janis Joplin. Richey is a winner of multiple “best of” awards in the Cincinnati area. See kellyrichey.com. Richey plugs in at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Aug. 22, 6-9 p.m. and plays The 21st Saloon Thursday, Aug. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Remembering Javier
Friday, Aug. 17, The Waiting Room hosts a benefit concert in honor of Javier Ochoa, a much-loved member of the Omaha music community who passed away unexpectedly this summer. See waitingroomlounge.com.

Bird, Lyle, Bonnie & Mavis
Monday, Aug. 20, Andrew Bird performs at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m., the great Lyle Lovett is at the Holland. Friday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m., two powerhouse musical greats, Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples, take the stage at the Orpheum.

Hot Notes
Guitarist Steve Byam’s band Runny Nose Pete rocks raw, old-school blues at Papa Chris’ Chicago Originals Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 p.m.
Carolyn Wonderland is at The Waiting Room Tuesday, Aug. 28, 5 p.m.
Blues and barbecue are on tap at Ribfest this weekend at Stinson Park. See aksarbenribfest.com.
Curtis Salgado is recovering quickly from lung surgery and gigs at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Tuesday, Sept. 4, 6-9 p.m. See curtissalgado.com.

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