Concert venues are getting back in the swing of things. Start planning your schedule

Jay N. Miller
·5 min read

Practically back to a full slate of shows this week, as area venues get back into the swing after the holidays.

Spafford skipping Boston in favor of Pembroke

The Prescott, Arizona, quartet Spafford fuses rock, funk, country, jazz, and reggae sounds into its own unique stew, which has made them a popular act with jamband fans nationwide. But they don't normally play in the Boston area, or even New England, very often. But their stop last January at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke was so successful, they are eschewing any Boston dates on this winter's tour and doing two nights at the Pembroke venue. Spafford, which does a pair of Connecticut dates, and plays Friday at Aura in Portland, Maine, takes over Soundcheck Studios Saturday and Sunday nights, and with six studio albums and a whopping nine live albums under their belt, it's safe to say each night's setlist will be different.

THURSDAY, Jan. 11: Swinging Steaks headed to Norwood

On Saturday night, The Narrows Center in Fall River hosts a special Swinging Steaks show, as they will unveil the music from their forthcoming album, “Yoyo.”
On Saturday night, The Narrows Center in Fall River hosts a special Swinging Steaks show, as they will unveil the music from their forthcoming album, “Yoyo.”

The South Shore's country-rock/Americana pioneers the Swinging Steaks are still a big item hereabouts, and their show at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood in sold out (the band plays the Spire Center in Plymouth on Feb. 12). The Purple Madness, a tribute to Prince, takes over City Winery in Boston. Jazz with bassist Thomas Casale's combo at Nickanee's in Providence, Rhode Island. Karaoke at The C Note in Hull.

Nate Smith performs during the “Unplugged for Tennessee” tornado relief benefit concert held at Exit/In Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.
Nate Smith performs during the “Unplugged for Tennessee” tornado relief benefit concert held at Exit/In Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.

Country singer Nate Smith arrives at The Sinclair in Cambridge.

FRIDAY, Jan. 12:  Rhythm Future Quartet take their strings to Plymouth

Travis Scott at the Prudential Center in Newark on Dec. 26, 2023.
Travis Scott at the Prudential Center in Newark on Dec. 26, 2023.

The Rhythm Future Quartet – acoustic stringed instruments – dazzle bluegrass and Americana fans at the Spire Center in Plymouth. Rebels – a tribute to Tom Petty's music – at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke. Missouri rock quintet the Story of the Year raises the roof at The House of Blues in Boston. Pop and R&B star Travis Scott takes over TD Garden in Boston. Pop singer Andrew Schulz opens two nights at The MGM Music Hall in Boston. The Steven Michael Trio, with Jonny Bass, rocks Lucky's 777 Bar and Grille in Holbrook. The Pearly Baker Band plays Grateful Dead music and more at the Narrows Center in Fall River. Boston country chanteuse Kelly Knapp, with an all-star band including Marco Giovino, at Jo's Nautical Bar in Hull. Vicky Lynch sings at The Tinker's Son in Norwell. Acoustic blues virtuoso Chris Smither performs on the Second Friday series at Belmont's First Church UU.  Jazz drummer Gengis Don and The Empire – his septet – sure to heat up Scullers in Boston. Roots rock with The TeleDynes at Nickanee's in Providence, Rhode Island.

SATURDAY, Jan. 13: Young Dubliners bring Celtic music to Plymouth

Comedian Kevin Hart, performing on Oct. 18, 2023 in New York City, will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Comedian Kevin Hart, performing on Oct. 18, 2023 in New York City, will be honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Robin Hathaway's Big Mouth Blues Band headlines The C Note in Hull, and it is a benefit to send these worthy musicians to Memphis, Tennessee, where they'll compete in the International Blues Challenge as the Boston-area representative. Americana sweetheart Sarah Borges, with rock icon Eric Ambel in the band, is sure to enliven the Narrows Center in Fall River. The Young Dubliners bring Celtic music and rock to the Spire Center in Plymouth. South Shore favorite rock and pop singer Susan Cattaneo and her band headline The Fallout Shelter in Norwood.  Norwell's Kier Byrnes and the Kettle Burners christen the new Rockwood Music Hall, just a couple blocks from Fenway Park in Boston. Colby James and the Ramblers brings some roots rock to City Winery in Boston. Comedy fans can catch Kevin Hart at Medford's Chevalier Theater. Heritage brings vintage reggae sounds to Brighton Music Hall in Boston. Folk singer Joe Jencks at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin. The pop duo known as ARMNHMR lights up Big Night Live in Boston. Texas indie pop duo Mickey Darling arrives at The Sinclair in Cambridge.  And if you're up for a road trip, Gloucester marks the opening of a new club, The Cut, with a lineup featuring Boston punk legend Willie "Loco" Alexander.

SUNDAY, Jan. 14: The Shady Roosters go to Plymouth

Daytime options include The Shady Roosters' roots rock at the Spire Center in Plymouth at 2 p.m., the Mo Skills duo at The Galley in Scituate at 3 p.m., and the weekly blues jam led by the Michele Rockwell Band at Players in Rockland kicking off at 4 p.m. The group with one of the worst names in rock, The THE BAND Band, reprises the music of one of the best, The Band, at City Winery in Boston.

Coming attractions

MONDAY: Versatile British rock and blues guitarist Albert Lee is at City Winery in Boston.

WEDNESDAY: Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken are two of the most popular and successful acts ever to emerge from TV's American Idol (2003 was their year), and their shows together have proven to be outstanding, so catch them at Memorial Hall in Plymouth. You know Creed Bratton as the actor from "The Office," but he's also a musician, and proves it at City Winery in Boston.

JAN. 18:  Get the Led Out – a tribute to the Zeppelin – takes over Memorial Hall in Plymouth. Octogenarian blues icon Bobby Rush sings at the Narrows Center in Fall River. Country singer Conner Smith at The Paradise Rock Club in Boston.

JAN. 19:  Lez Zeppelin – the all-female tribute to Led Zep – shakes up Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke.

JAN. 20: Parking will be at a premium in the Fenway, as Duxbury's rock/reggae faves The Elovaters top the bill at The House of Blues in Boston; while down the street, Vermont rocker Grace Potter blazes at MGM Music Hall. The Sinclair in Cambridge offers an all-female front night, with five bands fronted by ladies, including Julie Rhodes, and the Wolff Sisters. Songwriter Lisa Bastoni sings at the Rose Garden Coffeehouse in Mansfield.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Where to see live music near Quincy and Boston from Jan. 11-14