Sun, Dec 9th, Taj Mahal

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal (real name Henry St. Clair Fredericks Jr.) co-founded the Rising Sons in 1964 along with Ry Cooder and other cohorts who later played with the Byrds, Captain Beefheart and Spirit. Mahal has since amassed an amazing arsenal of country, Delta, Chicago and gut-bucket blues, and flavored it with roots and world music. His solo performances have showcased not only his harmonica, guitar, piano and banjo expertise, but also an infectious sense of humor, and sometimes gruff, sometimes creamy vocals punctuated with growls, groans and scat. Expect an evening that is, indeed, fingerpickin' good. 314 W. Main Street in Grass Valley, www.tajblues.com.