Aaron Watson will bring his independent country artist credentials to the Revolution Room for a show today, with an opening act set by Curtis Grimes at 8:30 p.m.
Watson, who was born in Amarillo, Texas, released his debut, self-titled album in 1999. He has since released 10 more albums, and his latest, The Underdog, is set for release Feb. 17.
The album opens with a song, "The Prayer," that Watson's press materials say was inspired by Johnny Cash's thoughts about suicide during a dark period in his life. Another song, "Fence Post," with its quotation by Sam Houston, "I'd rather be an old fence post in Texas than the king of Tennessee," deals with Watson's battles to succeed as an independent artist.
His past singles include "Love Makin' Song," "Best for Last," "Fast Cars Slow Kisses," "Lips," "Summertime Girl," "July in Cheyenne" and "That Look."
Opening act Grimes competed on the NBC competition series The Voice in 2011, making it to the quarterfinals.
Admission is $15.
Norma Jean will perform at 8 p.m. Friday. Taking its name from the real name of Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jean is a metal band from an Atlanta suburb. The group has performed at Ozzfest, the Warped Tour, the Mayhem Festival and the Summer Slaughter Tour.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 the day of the show.
Blues Unlimited will present Jaye Hammer at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Hammer is a Southern soul and rhythm and blues singer who was born in Friars Point, Miss. He recorded his first album, Work It on Me, in West Memphis.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the show.
Revolution Room, 300 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 823-0090, revroom.com
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The Bourgeois, a Tulsa band, will headline Friday at Vino's. The 9 p.m. show will open with sets by Consumers and Becoming Elephants.
Admission is $5.
Helen Kelter Skelter, a hard rock band based in Norman, Okla., will headline Saturday, and Gum, Ghost Bones and Ginsu Wives will open the 9 p.m. show.
Admission is $5.
Vino's, West Seventh and Chester streets, Little Rock, (501) 375-8466, vinosbrewpub.com
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John Calvin Abney, joined by opening act Andy Warr, will perform at the White Water Tavern at 9:30 p.m. today.
Abney is an Oklahoman who began as a guitarist and is transitioning into a songwriter. His first full-length album, Better Luck, is due out this month. He has played with Samantha Crain and John Moreland.
Admission is $5.
Shoog Radio will present Tyrannosaurus Chicken and Bombay Harambee at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is $7.
White Water Tavern, West Seventh and Thayer streets, Little Rock, (501) 375-8400, whitewatertavern.com
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Little Rock rock foursome Collin Vs. Adam will perform at 9:30 p.m. today at The Joint.
The group released its second album, Bloodsucker, in October, on Max Recordings.
Admission is $5.
The Joint, 301 Main St., North Little Rock, (501) 372-0210
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Yard Squad will perform at Stickyz Rock 'n' Roll Chicken Shack, with Richy Rych opening the 9:30 p.m. Friday show.
Yard Squad is a reggae band from St. Louis and Rych is a Jamaican rapper.
Admission is $7.
Stickyz Rock 'n' Roll Chicken Shack, 107 River Market Ave., Little Rock, (501) 372-7707, stickyz.com
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Code Blue will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Thirst-N-Howl.
Admission is free.
Thirst-N-Howl, 14710 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, (501) 379-8189
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Maxine's in Hot Springs will present Brother Andy Warr, John Calvin Brewer and M. Lockwood Porter at 9 p.m. Friday.
Admission is $5.
Saturday, the club will present Atomic Frolic, a burlesque show from Dallas.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.
Maxine's, 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs, (501) 321-0909 , maxineslive.com
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The Copper Penny Pub on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs will present Josh Green from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday and Stephen Neeper & The Wildhearts from 9 to midnight Saturday.
Admission is free.
Copper Penny Pub, 711 Central Ave., (501) 622-2570, copperpennypub.com.
Weekend on 01/15/2015