Briefs

Josh Turner and Danielle Peck

Date: Sunday, Dec.2 with doors at 7 p.m.

Venue: Saenger Theater, 6 S. Joachim St., 208-5600, www.saengermobile.com

Tickets: $36.50 and $31.50 available through Ticketmaster and the Saenger Box Office

Josh Turner has hit the country music scene full-force with his good looks, charming songs and baritone croons that are making the girls swoon. His 2003 debut “Long Black Train” was met with high approval by both critics and die-hard country fans. In a short time, his sophomore effort “Your Man” has already achieved double-platinum status, and the title track reached number one on the Billboard charts. This album also led to Grammy nominations in 2006 for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album.

Turner’s latest album “Everything Is Fine” hit the shelves Oct. 30 and sold 84,000 within the first week proving he is not just a fading star. A few days prior to its release, he was the centerpiece of GAC’s “Josh Turner: My Road to the Opry,” which documented his induction into this prestigious country music institution. With his various appearances on CMT, GAC and “The Today Show,” Turner is becoming quite a household name. Indie country sensation Danielle Peck will kick things off for this stellar night of country music.

Bayou Bash featuring Fat Man Squeeze

Date: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 pm

Venue: All Saints Episcopal at the corner of Ann and Gov’t Streets 438-2492

Tickets: $25 at the door or at the church office with children under 12 free

This fundraising event was created to support All Saints Episcopal’s Community Ministries program and non-profit organizations like L’Arche Mobile, Penelope House, Bay Area Food Bank, Family Promise and South Alabama Cares.

Those in attendance will get to sample some of Azalea City Seafood’s finest wares, experience the thrill of live and silent auctions, and witness the pure country goodness of Mobile’s eclectic bluegrass phenomenon Fat Man Squeeze.

Since the release of their sophomore effort “Bluegrass Trash,” Fat Man Squeeze has picked their way into the hearts of many with their off-beat songs, charming stage presence and skill. Recently, they showcased their talents to the thousands that showed up for the Angel Ride on the ESho as well as the Loxley Arts and Crafts Festival recently.

The Rundown

On Nov. 11, The Blind Mule was shaken to its foundation courtesy of Mobile’s Undertoe Hopscotch. Pulling influences from Primus, Deftones and Dream Theater, Undertoe Hopscotch’s raging sound is complimented by its melodic nature and the supreme vehemence of its vocals, which range from pristine to chaotic.

This band uses its music to focus any emotion that may come to mind in a very impressive manner. Undertoe Hopscotch takes their progressive rock sound very seriously. Songs such as “Cleave” and “The Hearing” are evidence of this with a sound that is a mix of Faith No More and A Perfect Circle. Stay tuned to Lagniappe for upcoming shows from this band.

Celtic in ‘Goula

With everyone traveling this holiday season, it’s nice to know that some of Mobile’s finest bands are making their way onto the highways and byways. One venue that has become popular with the locals is The World Famous Celtic in Pascagoula. Bands such as Peek, Muskrat Hannah and El Cantador have made their presence known in this popular Mississippi Coast venue, and it looks like the holidays are going to bring Fat Man Squeeze to The Celtic Nov. 30 and Southern rock outlaws AllGetOut Dec. 7.

Left winging it

Mobile’s own Tom Rouse & Left Wing Radical has been becoming quite a regular favorite across the Southeast. His pure Americana/blues sound has the tendency to attract ears everywhere he travels. It seems as if Rouse has also found an audience online. Recently, his song “I Crossed the Line” broke into the Top 10 on GarageBand.com.

This is not his first award from this popular Web site. In July, he won the Blues Rock Track of the Day for “The Tail of Frank the Cat,” and “I Crossed the Line” won Groove Rock Track of the Day. Head over to GarageBand.com and show this talented local musician some love.

Stars release album

Mobile hasn’t heard from the North Mississippi All-Stars in quite awhile. Their regular stops in the Port City and electrifying shows have been missed, but it looks as if we’ll be hearing from them again very soon, even it’s not live. NMAS is preparing to release the follow-up to their Grammy nominated “Electric Blue Watermelon.” Their new album “Hernando” (named after the town where the Dickinson brothers grew up) will be released on their self-run label, Sounds of the South Records.

Luther Dickinson says the band is putting its Hill Country sound to the side in exchange for a blues-rock record. Hopefully, the new release will also bring about a live local performance.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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