Blues with a feeling

Dig them cutting contests? You know, when blues players get together to show each other what’s what and musically strip the varnish off a few tables in the process. What’s billed as the Blues Guitar Showdown II promises plenty of fret board pyrotechnics courtesy of W.C. Handy Award winner Michael Burks, last year’s Showdown winner Chris Cain and newcomer Joanna Connor. The event, on Sunday, October 20, also features down-home and barbecue food for sale, and a full bar. It’s a Sacramento Heritage Festival production at the Sacramento Horsemen’s Club, at 3200 Longview Drive (off Watt Avenue near the Haggin Oaks Golf Course). The festivities start at 2:30 p.m.; entrance is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Oh, and it’s a benefit for music-education programs in public schools.