Concerts of the Week

Billy Bragg
Thursday Oct. 18
Calvin Theater, Northampton, Mass

Hell, there are a thousand good reasons to see and hear Billy Bragg, and I think I've written them all in posts over the past few weeks. Skip the Red Sox for this. Check below for tales of Billy and her majesty.

Beausoleil
Thursday Oct. 18
Iron Horse, Northampton, Mass

Why are all the good shows on the same night? Happens all the time, doesn't it? Mike Doucet and his intrepid band of exceptional Cajun musicians returns to the Iron Horse for a dance. Doucet is now the inspiration to an entire new generation of young Cajun musicians. He was inspired himself by greats like Dennis McGee, Canray Fontenot and Dewey Balfa. Still one of the finest bands (and not just Cajun bands) in the country.

Rodney Crowell and Will Kimbrough
Friday October 19
Wilde Auditorium, University of Hartford

Very likely a bill put together by right-wing bloviator Jim Vicevich (well, he doesn't really bloviate, he kind of sputters), but damn good music nonetheless. Kimbrough has played with everybody in Nashville worth listening to, and Crowell was a chartopper turned songwriter. Both have recorded amazing albums.

Erin McKeown
Saturday October 20
The Space, Hamden CT

Erin's a powerhouse performer, and a giant musical brain on two legs. If I wasn't going to be in a different state, I'd sure be in Hamden. BTW, I sing on one of her albums. Yeah, I do.

She's also at the Iron Horse on Friday.