Friday, Jan. 09
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, one of two self-monikered jazz-funk ensembles led by West Coast flutist/saxophonist/vocalist Karl Denson, brings the dance party to State Theatre. The fun kicks off with Ft. Lauderdale jammers The Heavy Pets.
The multi-day Cigar City Tattoo Convention has filled the many floors of Ybor City's Cuban Club in with all manner of diversions, including a packed bill of live music. Tonight, it's alt-country ensemble Drag the River, a twangy project of punk-rockers Chad Price (singer and bassist of ALL) and Jon Snodgrass (former guitarist and singer of Armchair Martian). Support comes from San Francisco singer/songwriter/Lagwagon frontman Joey Cape. Orpheum hosts a Saturday evening Tattoo Convention After Party with locals Rude Squad, Surly, Party Time and The Redliners.
Skipper's Smokehouse presents 95-year-old boogie blues pianist/vocalist Pinetop Perkins, who's backed by guitarist Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin and his band. Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues open.
Linda Eder (a pop vocalist who jump-started her career on Star Search) plays Ruth Eckerd Hall with pianist William Joseph.
Also playing this Friday night: Have Gun, Will Travel at Uptown Bar in St. Petersburg; Villanova Junction with Kore and Jett at The Garage Bar in St. Petersburg; Life of Pi with Military Junior, Blast and the Detergents, and Steady State at New World Brewery.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Music day two of the Cigar City Tattoo Convention features North Carolina rockabilly troubadour Unknown Hinson (aka Stuart Daniel Baker, pictured), a freaky solo artist who offers a sort of onstage B-horror-movie shtick; Red Rocket Deluxe provides support.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2009.