Happy Friday, everybody. I’m in a hurry, so let’s dig right into my recommendations for your weekend blues listening.

Tonight (Friday), you have the rare opportunity to welcome a new venue to the local blues scene. The Refectory, at 1618 NE 122nd Ave. (near Halsey), has been flirting with blues content here and there for a while, but they’re now considering doing the blues thing full-time. They’re kicking off their new direction tonight by featuring the sizzling blues/rockabilly sounds of the Strange Tones. This is one of those few bands with a real signature sound, due in equal measures to the fiery guitar soloing of Guitar Julie and Suburban Slim, as well as the excellent vocal work of those two frontpersons. Anchored by Andy Strange on bass and J.D. Huge on the drums, it makes for a formidable musical juggernaut – you can get a taste of the Strange Tones in shows 2, 4, 14, 23 and 30. Head out to the Refectory tonight and show them they made the right decision in featuring blues music! They need to see people filling those seats and having a good time….you can do that, can’t you? Sure – I knew you could.

Well, Saturday night holds some fine possibilities, but my vote goes to blues piano master D.K. Stewart, who has recently resumed his occasional duo thing with the formidable guitarist Jay “Bird” Koder. They’re calling themselves “Bird Stew” (…get it?), and they’re playing at the Cascade Bar & Grill Saturday night. I predict they will kill…these are two incredible talents, friends. You can hear D.K. on Show #1 and Show #21, among others.