Heavy Dates

by John O'Neill and Carly Carioli

WORCESTER: This Friday, January 16, gets off to a big start with perennial favorites Sam Black Church headlining a night of Big Noise at Sir Morgan's Cove. Also on the bill are Bionic Manson (formerly Controlled Aggression) and Swing Arm. Not to be confused with Luther "Houserocker" Johnson, Luther "Georgia Boy" Johnson, or Lonnie "Guitar Jr." Brooks, it's Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson who'll perform his style of Chicago blues at the Sit 'N Bull Pub, in Maynard, with his band the Magic Rockers, not to be confused with the Magic Mushroom or Puff the Magic Dragon. The Deal will be tossing off their brand of mod-influenced rock and roll at the Tammany Club, and Roll and Tumble celebrate the release of their new CD at Gilrein's. This Saturday, the Amazing Royal Crowns return to town after being away far too long when they hit the Espresso Bar. Also on the bill are rockabilly purists the Racketeers (led by former Crown Dana Stewert) and Mr. Roger's Project, who someday may be pretty good, once they figure out music doesn't have to be one giant atonal in-joke at everyone else's expense. The soon-to-be local legend Dr. Chris Van Kleek offers his musical take on life at the Bean Counter. New Jersey's Evelyn Forever are all the buzz here at headquarters with their brilliant distillation of the Beatles, Shoes, Raspberries, Red Kross, and early Cheap Trick. Their press release likes to toss in the Replacements as an influence, but these guys are way too sugary-sweet for any of that. They'll appear at Sir Morgan's Cove where they open for some Pearl Jam tribute! As Dr. Zachary Smith best put it, "Oh, the pain, the pain . . ." On Sunday, January 18, the Espresso Bar hosts a benefit for Worcester's homeless veterans with Mindwrecker, Dimwit, Proclamation, and Fall from Grace all taking part. It's only six dollars to get into this worthy event, but it wouldn't hurt your karma to give a little extra at the door. On Wednesday, January 21, Julian Russell continues his spin as host of the Plantation Club Drafthouse's open-mic night. Drop on by and check it out, you never know who'll make the scene.

-- John O'Neill

BOSTON/PROVIDENCE: Big D show up for a ska blowout with Sgt. Skagnetti, the Pilfers, and Five Iron Frenzy at Pearl Street (413-584-7771), in Northampton, on the 18th; the latter two bands are on a NEMO ska bill at the Greek American Political Club (call 617-338-3144 for info on all NEMO gigs), in Cambridge, on the 16th with Skavoovie & the Epitones and the Hi-Hats.

The perhaps unduly buzzed-about Rubyhorse play what's sure to be an A&R-choked NEMO gig at Bill's Bar (617-421-9678), in Boston, on the 16th with the already signed Big Wreck, plus Model Engine and the Friggs; on the 17th Rubyhorse start a Saturday-night residency at the Iron Horse (413-584-0610), in Northampton, which they're sharing with transplanted singer/songwriter Another Girl (who's got a NEMO gig on the 17th at T.T.s the Bear's Place, 617-492-2327, in Cambridge, with Talking to Animals).

Marcy Playground (of alterna-radio's nefariously saccharine "Sex and Candy" fame) hit the Iron Horse on the 20th, the Middle East (617-864-3278), in Cambridge, on the 21st, and the Met Café (401-861-2142), in Providence, on the 22nd. Former Smithereen Pat DiNizio brings a trio to the Middle East on the 21st and the Iron Horse on the 22nd. Jen Trynin performs at the Boston Music Awards on the 15th and at the Iron Horse on the 21st. Former Scarce frontman Chick Graning and Gravel Pit frontman Jed Parish play solo sets together on the 18th, then return home to do the same at the Green Street Grill (617-876-1655), in Cambridge, the following night. And original space-rocker Robert Fripp drags out Frippertronics and a lot of other "Space Music" astrology for a night of solo soundscapes at the Iron Horse on the 18th.

-- Carly Carioli