The 21st Saloon hosts one of their popular, multi-band roots shows Thursday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. at 96th & L. Performers include charismatic Louisiana blues artist Josh Garrett and his band plus Canadian roots and rockabilly act The 24th Street Wailers. Shawn Holt & The Teardrops make a special appearance. The band is fronted by Lincoln’s own Shawn Holt and features Levi William with the late Magic Slim’s rhythm section. Holt is the son of Magic Slim and the band was recognized with the prestigious Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut Album at the 35th Annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis. They were acknowledged for their debut disc, Daddy Told Me, on Blind Pig Records. BluesEd band Set in Stone opens the show.
Roadhouse Dive
Dean Dobmeier’s and Gary Grobeck’s Sunday Roadhouse concert series brings back Lake Street Dive for a show at Slowdown Sunday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m. The band was fairly unknown when they played a Sunday Roadhouse gig in November of 2012. Since then they have been the subject of a big buzz on both the pop and Americana scenes. Their music is not really Americana, unless you extend the definition to include classic American pop vocals. But Lake Street Dive is something special, mixing lustrous vocal harmonies with excellent musicianship. Tickets are available at sundayroadhouse.com where you will also find the fall Sunday Roadhouse schedule, which includes separate performances by Curtis McMurtry (October 19) and his father James McMurtry (November 16).
Blues Challenge Finals
The Blues Society of Omaha (BSO) hosts the Nebraska Blues Challenge finals Sunday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m. at The 21st Saloon. Hector Anchondo Band, Church House Blues Band and Drew Jude & The Cool Tones perform. The band receiving the most votes from a panel of judges will represent the BSO at the Blues Foundation’s 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Hot Notes
Minneapolis roots, classic country and blues band Doug Otto & The Getaways plays Barley Street Tavern Thursday, Sept. 18, with local favorite Cajun roots group The Prairie Gators. Check out The Getaways at dougottoandthegetaways.com. The Prairie Gators have a Barley Street residency with special guests every Thursday in September, cover is only $3. The Taste of New Orleans food truck will be on hand to bring some classic Louisiana food to 62nd Street.
Blues-rock guitar sensation Coco Montoya plugs in at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6-9 p.m.
Mr. Sipp, 2014’s International Blues Challenge winner, plays The 21st Saloon Thursday, Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m.