Malcolm and Cedric. Photo by Jerry Colburn.
FRIDAY 6/5
On the strength of a handful of performances at White Water in the last year or so, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm have built a well-deserved reputation as THE blues act to catch in Central Arkansas. The duo evokes the hypnotic groove of North Mississippi pioneers like Junior Kimbrough and RL Burnside (Cedric’s grandfather). Look for the Tavern to turn juke-joint-y, 9:30 p.m.
At the RiverTop Party at the Peabody, “Warped Tour” vets the Poptart Monkeys blend comedy and alt-rock, 8 p.m., $5.
The Chris Denny Band headlines night one of Cornerstone Pub’s weekend sixth anniversary party, 9 p.m., $5.
Sponsored by Cafe Bossa Nova at North Hills Park Clubhouse in North Little Rock, One Night in Rio is a Brazilian party with music, dancers, a costume contest, drums, free food, a cash bar and a performance by Brasil Cultura, 8 p.m., $15.
Austin-based Latin act Del Castillo specializes in a genre mash highlighted by heavy shades of flamenco guitar, Sticky Fingerz, 9:30 p.m., $8 adv., $10 d.o.s.
At Maxine’s in Hot Springs, former “America’s Got Talent” contestant Cas Haley leads the reggae pop band Woodbelly, 9 p.m., $8.
SATURDAY 6/6
At Cajun’s, Stark Naked and the Car Thieves blend blues, rock and Motown tunes, 9 p.m., $5.
The Kings of Leon tribute act Joe’s Head & the Four Kicks come to Juanita’s with the Gold Diggin’ Mothers, 9:30 p.m., $7 (open to all 18 and older).
In Argenta, Riverboat Crime provides the soundtrack to the outdoor Party at the T (4 p.m., free), which precedes the Travs vs. San Antonio (7:10 p.m., $6-$10) and the Twisters against Oklahoma City, 7:05 p.m., $11-$28.
Later, Chris Denny and co. return to Cornerstone, for night two of the anniversary party. This time they’re aided by Whale Fire and Riverboat Crime, 9 p.m., $5.
At Discovery, Justin Sane handles DJ duties in the disco, while Balance plays jams you can sing along to in the lobby, midnight, $10.