Bobby Charles.
FRIDAY 1/15
Cameron Holifield’s Cool Shoes spin-off Spectrum returns to Star Bar in its second month with g-force, Michael Inscoe, Cameron Holifield and Risky Biz DJing and Dandiwer manning a photo booth, 10 p.m., $5.
The Greg Spradlin Outfit, a revolving door of whoever’s around and local guitar god Spradlin, returns to White Water Tavern, where its brand of blues-inspired rock ‘n’ roll should sound right at home — especially with Memphis vets Al Gamble and George Sluppick (The City Champs) playing keys and drums, respectively, 10 p.m., $5. Especially, too, since they’re paying tribute to the late great Bobby Charles, by covering his 1972 eponymous, Band-backed album in full. “Street People” is such the jam.
Southern rockers Bleu Edmondson returns to Sticky Fingerz, 9 p.m., $10.
Thick Syrup’s Androids of Ex Lovers hail from Jacksonville and specialize in a jagged brand of post-punk. They come to Juanita’s with the See’s Joe Yoder, who offers a rare solo performance, 10 p.m., $5.
Rising local country star Ryan Couron plays an acoustic set at the Town Pump, 9 p.m., free.
Downtown Music hosts Synfest, a two-day metal showcase that kicks off with the likes of Wishtribe and A Darkened Era, 8 p.m., $7.
SATURDAY 1/16
Local maniacs Brother Andy and His Big Damn Mouth share a bill with rough-edged rockers Drunken Angels at White Water Tavern, 10 p.m., $5.
Now that the Natives are free from Chris Denny, they’ve revived their experimental jazz-prog instrumental act, Mammoth Orange; they come to the Town Pump, 9 p.m., free.
The second edition of Mo Betta Jazz/Rhythm and Blues features jazz standouts Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers along with special guests, SpeakEasy, 9 p.m., $10-$15.
At the Afterthought, local rocker Jeff Coleman leads his band the Feeders, 9 p.m., $7.
Synfest continues at Downtown Music with acts like Iron Tongue and Shitfire, 8 p.m., $7.