Music Scene

MUSIC SCENE

By Bart Mendoza

Songs for Two-Stepping

No doubt about it, San Diego’s country music scene has been picking up steam of late. Seemingly all of a sudden, numerous bands have sprung up, developing a twang and a following at the same time. Way ahead of the trend is fiery singer Sara Petite, who performs at Lestat’s on Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. With three albums to her credit, Petite has made a splash not only locally, but internationally, particularly in England, where her songs, such as “Bootleggers,” have endeared her to music fans. If you like your tunes custom made for two-stepping and with a bit of fire, Petite and her band never fail to deliver the goods.

Sara Petite: Friday, Oct. 28, at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. sarapetite.com.

Texas Country Music Troubador

Tom Russell, who appears at AMSD Concerts on Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., is a triple threat — as an acclaimed performer in his own right as well as a renowned songwriter and author. Currently touring behind a new album, “Mesabi,” Russell’s music is steeped in the Texas country music tradition, incorporating folk and cowboy elements. He’s released 28 discs since his beginnings as a troubadour in 1976, but his best-known work is by other artists. Among the performers to record his material are Johnny Cash, K.D. Lang, Nancy Griffith and Suzy Boguss. Anyone who enjoys the roots of modern country music or superb story-telling in song will find much to enjoy from Russell’s concerts.

Tom Russell: Friday, Oct. 21, at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield Street. 7: 30 p.m. All ages. $27-$52. amsdconcerts.com.

Tall Ships’ Special Release Concert

Indie rock trio Tall Ships’ album, “On Tariffs and Discovery,” was released digitally back in March, but will finally have a physical presence when it’s issued Oct. 22 as a special white vinyl LP. The band will host a special release concert that evening at the Soda Bar at 9 p.m. Destined to be a true collector’s item, only 300 copies have been pressed.The band’s intense moody sound, sounds fantastic on the disc, but live is where they excel, with songs gaining in both energy and atmosphere.

Tall Ships: Saturday, Oct. 22, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $5. myspace.com/thetallships.

SD METRO/North Park News — Oct. 13, 2011