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Maria McKee spent several years fronting the highly touted eighties outfit Lone Justice, which was started by McKee and guitarist Ryan Hedgecock (McKee’s half-brother was Bryan MacLean of psychedelic pioneers Love).  Additionally, the Los Angeles native garnered considerable attention from heavies such as Tom Petty, U2, Robbie Robertson and Linda Ronstadt.  She also went on to establish a strong career as a solo artist.  McKee is a powerful singer with a voice reminiscent of Emmylou Harris and has recently returned from a well-received European Tour.

 McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Boulevard, 310.828.4497, mccabes.com, $20

 Red Elvises, July 14, 10pm

Locally, the Siberian surf-rock troupe Red Elvises have been known to enchant an appreciative crowd on the Third Street Promenade.  The image of a gentleman masterfully playing an unusually shaped stringed instrument (a “balalaika”) the size of a Chevy Tahoe comes to mind.  Since then, they have gone on to release several albums – each collection representative of their toe-tapping, smile-inducing and original approach.

 Rusty’s Surf Ranch, 256 Santa Monica Pier, 310.393.7437, rustyssurfranch.com, $15