Roadtrips

With Brian Setzer giving rockabilly the big-band swing overhaul, it might be just the right time to take another look at the intercontinental champs of Western swing, Big Sandy and the Fly-Rite Boys. Long considered gods by the rockabilly kids, the band plays a twang that harks back to the days when Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys stalked the South doling out a high-octane, pre-rock-and-roll mix of jazzified country. It's the kinda stuff that'd burn the enamel right off the Reverend Horton Heat's pompadour and shake the wax out of the Swingin' Utters' ears. Check out Big Sandy and crew Saturday August 29 at the Middle East (864-EAST) in Central Square with the outstanding Boston roots-rockabilly band the Cranktones and the Boston Blackouts, a swingin' roots-punk outfit fronted by former Cast Iron Hike singer Jacob Brennan; and also September 3 at the Iron Horse (413-584-0610) in Northampton, September 5 at the Rhythm &Roots at Escoheag (RI) Festival (888-855-6940), and on September 6 at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence (401-272-LUPO).

By now everyone's familiar with Newport's legendary Jazz and Folk festivals, but you may not be as well acquainted with the Newport Irish Festival, now in its fifth year on the hallowed grounds of Fort Adams State Park (401-849-2028). On August 29 the festival features Áine Minogue, Danny Doyle, Craobh Rua, 7-Nations, Pat Kilbride, John McDermott, Tommy Makem and the Makem Bros., along with a Celtic bagpipe competition. The following day Minogue and Doyle return along with New Barleycorn, the Whole Shebang, and Frank Paterson, plus authentic Highland dancing.

Following on the heels of these two is the 10th Annual Sober in the Sun Alcohol and Drug-Free Weekend September 4 through 6, with a bunch of folkie types including Don White, She's Busy, Pamela Means, storyteller Raelinda Woad, and the Worcester Poetry Slam Team. It's at the Treasure Valley Boy Scout Camp (888-707-6237), Oakham.

-- CC