Big shows this month include the return of hard-charging rockabilly heroes The Paladins for two shows at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Tuesday, Nov. 15 and Thursday, Nov. 17, 6-9 p.m. both nights. Fans newer to the roots scene may recognize guitarist Dave Gonzalez as the co-leader of the Hacienda Brothers with the late Chris Gaffney. But for a couple decades prior to the Hacienda Brothers, Gonzalez was part of the astonishingly tight and rockin’ Paladins along with bassist Thomas Yearsley. Brian Fahey is back in the drummer’s chair for this tour. The band is hitting a select series of venues in support of the release of a double vinyl, Slippin’ In Ernesto’s (Lux Records). See paladinsband.com and luxrecordsusa.com.
In between those two great shows, the Zoo slides in another top-flight touring act. The Golden State-Lone Star Revue gigs at the Zoo Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6-9 p.m. featuring harmonica great Mark Hummel and the one-two guitar-power-punch of Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty on guitars. See markhummel.com/golden_state.html. Other notable dates include Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 p.m. and Mezcal Brothers Saturday, Nov. 26, 9 p.m. Visit zoobar.com for the latest schedule.
21st Saloon Music
Omaha’s 21st Saloon is working hard to support live roots music, with Cedric Burnside Thursday, Nov. 3. Burnside is the grandson of the acclaimed R.L. Burnside and furthering the hill country blues tradition in his own right. See cedricburnside.net. Up and coming young Illinois blues-rock guitarist Matthew Curry plugs in Thursday, Nov. 10. See matthewcurry.com. Homegrown soul-funk heroes Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal hit the 21st stage Friday, Nov. 11. The soulful blues of Danielle Nicole, formerly of Trampled Under Foot, takes the spotlight Thursday, Nov. 17. Former Russo’s proprietor Jim DeShamp hosts a “Home for the Holidays Super Jam” at the club Saturday, Nov. 26.
I caught Houston’s Annika Chambers in 2015 playing before the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Her highly entertaining show and excellent band put on a memorable set. On Thursday, Dec. 1, they make what I believe Is their Omaha debut. Catch this artist, she’s poised to become a national blues audience favorite after racking up notable Houston awards for her big voice and voluptuous stage presence. See annikachambers.com.
More Roots Music
Tennessee Americana songwriter Matt Woods gigs at Reverb Lounge Sunday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m. with Evan Bartels. See therealmattwoods.com. Country band Slim Cessna’s Auto Club is a 20-year veteran of the Denver roots music scene. Jello Biafra said that they’re “the country band that plays the bar at the end of the world.” Intrigued? Check then out Thursday, Nov. 17, 9 p.m. at the Reverb and at slimcessnasautoclub.com.
The gypsy punk of Gogol Bordello takes over Slowdown Friday, Nov. 25, 9 p.m.
My Morning Jacket’s Jim James plays Slowdown Wednesday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Also performing is Twin Limb. See facebook.com/jimjamesmusic.
Gobble, Gobble
Matt Cox presents his seventh annual Canned in Benson at the Barley Street Tavern Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov, 23. The songwriter showcase benefits local food pantries. See mattcoxmusic.net. 2016 International Blues Challenge finalists the Hector Anchondo Band gear up The Waiting Room with their original, rockin’ blues Wednesday, Nov. 23, 9 p.m. Sebastian Lane & Roadrunners open. See hectoranchondo.com.
Meanwhile another veteran local blues band, Blue House, brings their Thanksgiving Eve show to The 21st Saloon Nov. 23.
Hot Notes
Early Warning: Jon Dee Graham plays at the Zoo Bar Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m.
Mark your calendar for this year’s Toy Drive for Pine Ridge events. Saturday, Dec. 3, Lash LaRue’s annual event takes over both the Waiting Room and Reverb Lounge. Sunday, Dec. 4, I’ll be joining LaRue, aka Larry Dunn, on Rick Galusha’s P.S. Blues program on 89.7 The River for another Toy Drive tradition. We’ll have live music in the studios and help raise awareness about the needs of families on the Reservation. Sunday, Dec. 4, the Blues Society of Omaha co-hosts live music and a holiday party to benefit the charity. Visit facebook.com/Toydriveforpineridge for updates and details.