Best Local Country Act

Trigger

They've defended their title for the second consecutive year. And this year has found Trigger making inroads from their power base in North Worcester County to become regulars on the local shit-kicker circuit. The Country Lodge, Mount Auburn Lounge, Shirley's Fort Club, the Framingham's Eagles Club, the Fort in Ayer, even the Best Western Royal in Fitchburg are all stops on the band's busy itinerary (they're booked solid every weekend till August); and they'll make their debut at the country mecca, Indian Ranch, this June.

The foursome (vocalist Brian Kendell, guitarist Mike Babineau, bassist Dave Miller, and drummer Frank Pupillo) lay down a keen mix of the good (Hank Williams), the bad (Hank Williams Jr.), and the ugly (Led Zeppelin). Though they have a handful of ready-and-able original numbers, it's the cover tunes that the fans love. Able to blast out high-octane, boot-stompin', achy-breaky, heart-attack-style dance numbers, and cry-on-your-pillow ballads, the boys take perverse pride throwing out a classic-rock curve ball or top 40 alternative hit. It may be Zep or Green Day or Matchbox 20, just as much as it may be Garth or Dwight Yoakam or Lefty Frizzell. And that's the fun of Trigger. You're never sure what they're gonna pull out of their 10-gallon hats next. But you can bet the trailer it's gonna be a hot time in the old town tonight.

-- John O'Neill