Boney James at Fridays at Sunset
Saxophonist James Oppenheim spent much of his budding musical career performing backup for acts such as Morris Day, Ray Parker Jr. and The Isley Brothers. Delivering pizza between shows, Oppenheim barely made enough to cover his meals, and this financial plight earned him the nickname Boney James. But Oppenheim is strapped for cash no more. In addition to putting food on the table, James has scored a couple of Grammy nominations, as well as a reputation for popularizing urban jazz. Boney James performs Friday, Aug. 3, at 8 p.m. as part of Fridays at Sunset. Richmond’s DJ Williams Projekt opens. $20-$25. 644-8515 or visit www.fridaysatsunset.com. — Sarah Mogin
Will Kimbrough at Ashland Coffee & Tea
You may know him as Jimmy Buffett’s guitarist, or that guy on tour with Rodney Crowell, but the man behind the six-string has a name, not to mention a solo career. A native of Mobile, Ala., guitarist Will Kimbrough has released a handful of albums since the turn of the millennium, most recently the politically charged “Americanitis,” an effort slightly less contagious than the title might suggest. Kimbrough also has an EP forthcoming, a folksy collection bouncing from spiritual anthems to traveling songs to blue-collar romps, with some love songs in between. Enthused by the man’s skills on the banjo and guitar, Kimbrough’s home-base fans went so far as to create “Will Kimbrough is an alien” T-shirts. Kimbrough performs Thursday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m. $15-$20. 798-1702. — S.M.
Dead Rock West at Capital Ale House
The name Dead Rock West brings to mind the sun-baked rocks of Monument Valley and at the same time, strangely, grunge rock angst. The name fits the band that will bring its wistful brand of country rock to Capital Ale House. DRW’s edgy guitars bring out the lyrics, tinged by regret, hope, and something huge and dusty. Dead Rock West opens for John Doe, founder of punk band X, Thursday, Aug. 2, at 8 p.m. $12-$15. Call 780-ALES or visit www.capitalalehouse.com. — C.R.
