Little Smokey Smothers, April 27, 9:30pm
This Tchula, Mississippi native is an alumnus of Howlin’ Wolf’s old outfit, having played on classics such as “I’ve Been Abused,” “Mr. Airplane Man” and “Howlin’ for My Darling.” Back in the ’60s, he collaborated with pretty much everybody who was out there, including Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, James Cotton and Paul Butterfield. He includes Elvin Bishop as one of his ex-guitar pupils, and in 1993 the duo reunited on the winning Bossman: The Chicago Blues of Little Smokey Smothers.
Harvelle’s, 1432 4th St., 310.395.1676, harvelles.com, $12
Tom Rush, April 27-28, 8pm
A pioneer of the early ’60s Cambridge folk scene, Tom Rush is a folk and blues artist whose shows embrace music’s past, present and future. He is credited with shaping the folk revival in the ’60s as well as its renewal in both the ’80s and ’90s. Widely recognized for his interpretations of works by James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, Rush is both a talented songwriter and guitarist. Garth Brooks counts him as one of his top five musical influences, and he is responsible for releases such as “Circle Game” and “Wrong End of the Rainbow.”
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., 310.828.4497, mccabes.com, $26.50
