Girrrl Power

by B.J. Huchtemann

Over a half dozen world-class roots and blues women visit the metro this weekend.
The fireworks start when Ana Popovic’s sultry, guitar-driven blues takes the stage at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Eilen Jewell
On Friday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m. the Sunday Roadhouse presents the return of Eilen Jewell at Slowdown. Jewell has received praise from everyone from New Yorker magazine, USA Today to American Songwriter and NPR. American Songwriter wrote of Jewell’s last CD “an undiscovered gem ... a layered, shimmering pearl of an album that shines like cut crystal.” Listen in at eilenjewell.com.
Candye & Laura
The remarkable Candye Kane hits the Zoo Bar on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Her last disc, Superhero, is a barnburner of souful music and fun. She’s just released her latest disc, Sister Vagabond. Allmusic.com calls her the 21st Century version of Bessie Smith. Catch Kane’s show and discover one of the finest young guitarists working today, Laura Chavez. Chavez plays with a power, muscle and depth that already distinguishes her from the pack. See candykane.com.
TUF
Kansas City’s Trampled Under Foot is making a name on the national blues scene. The distinctive, soaring voice of Danielle Schnebelen is the powerful heart of the music made by this trio of talented siblings. Visit tufkc.com for band bios and videos.
Davina
Minneapolis band Davina & The Vagabonds is landing rave national reviews for their new disc Black Cloud. If you like Ms. Kane and Ms. Schnebelen, check out Davina. She’s got a rich, versatile voice that gets comparisons ranging from Etta James to Amy Winehouse. Davina writes most of the material, from jump-blues to jazz and to old-school New Orleans’ sounds. Davina kicks off the annual Omaha Jitterbugs’ Cowtown Jamborama weekend with a show on Thursday, Sept. 15. Their show hits the stage at the Eagles Club, 24th & Douglas. See jamborama.com for showtime.
The weekend also features Meschiya Lake & dem Little Big Horns, recognized in New Orleans Big Easy Awards as Female Performer of the Year.
The Boys are Back in Town
Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials bring their houserockin’, old-school Chicago blues to The 21st Saloon this Thursday, Sept. 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Kris Lager Band tears it up at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Saturday, Sept. 10, after 9 p.m.
Hoodoo hero Jon Dee Graham plays the Zoo in two weeks, on Saturday, Sept. 24, and hits Omaha's Sunday Roadhouse on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Side Door Lounge. See sundayroadhouse.com.