Austin power of the blues

These days, Texas may not be the coolest spot on the planet, given the political culture there. But aficionados of the blues know that the Lone Star State has been the origin of so much great music throughout the years that it’s hard to work up any serious loathing for all things Texan because of a little ol’ Bush. On Sunday, February 8, promoter Mike Balma kicks off the local blues season at the Sacramento Horsemen’s Club (3200 Longview Drive, west of Watt Avenue) with an all-Texas bill titled “Great Blues—Lousy Presidents.” Performers include W.C. Clark, the duo Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King, Kay Kay & the Rays and Cricket Taylor, as well as Texas transplants Frankie Lee and Omar Sharriff. The show starts at 2 p.m., tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door, Texas down-home cooking and barbecue will be on sale, and there will be a no-host bar.