Heaven and earth
	Suzanne Vega's new Songs in Red and Gray. by TED DROZDOWSKI

Cape crusader Cesaria Évora returns. by BANNING EYRE

Local Anesthesia: Guitar men Stringing along with Paul Geremia and Duke Robillard. by BOB GULLA

If it weren't for bad luck, Social Distortion wouldn't have any at all. But Mike Ness has been turning adversity into enthralling punk rock -- the kind rooted in the dirt and the dust of country, rockabilly, and rhythm and blues -- for a quarter-century. Following a hiatus during which he made a couple decent solo discs, and with a long-delayed full-band studio album said to be coming next spring, Social Distortion kick off their first national tour since the death of long-time guitarist Dennis Danell with a three-night stand in Boston. They're at Axis (617-262-2437) on Friday, then take a very short roadtrip up Commonwealth Avenue to the Paradise (617-562-8800) for shows on Saturday and Sunday.

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