Sat., Jan. 26, Hans! and the Hot Mess

Hans Eberbach wanted to start a boy band—in his 40s. He searched for a name and rejected several, including Backbeat Boys and Earlusions. He brings his new project, Hans! and the Hot Mess, to the Blue Lamp stage this Saturday. The group was nominated for a Sammie for funk last year, and Eberbach won the 2012 Sammie in the Singer-songwriter category. His solo album, released in 2010, is Up Is the Only Way Out, but he's working on new material. Eberbach has also recorded with Sweet Vine and the Nibblers. He shares the stage at this gig with Sacramento-based band Redleaf and San Francisco singer-songwriter Roem Baur. 1400 Alhambra Boulevard, www.hansrocks.com.