Short Cuts: Sounds at SOhO

North Carolina’s Southern Culture on the Skids – undoubtedly one of the great band names in history – are still alive and kicking 40 years after their self-titled debut was released. Original lead singer-guitarist Rick Miller, and two members who joined before the 1980s were out, nowadays underpin their skewed, tongue-in-cheek sensibility with a blend of Southern country, blues, swamp rock, R&B and rockabilly. Still charmingly fun and rowdy, SCOTS returns to SOhO on November 13.

The great Idaho-born singer-songwriter Eilen Jewell, whose local gigs have included Sings Like Hell at the Lobero back in 2007 and the Live Oak Music festival later on, is for some reason playing the much smaller SOhO Music Club this time around. On November 13 she brings her compellingly lyrical stories, underpinned by a sonic crossover American-bred blend of styles. 

Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners George Kahumoku Jr. and Daniel Ho head to SOhO on November 17 for yet another enchanting evening of Hawaiian music combining the slack key guitar legend Kahumoku and singer-guitarist-uke player Ho… A guitarist of a different stripe, Laurence Juber – who used to play arenas and stadiums as a member of Paul McCartney’s Wings – exhibits more of his solo mastery at SOhO on November 18… Also returning to the club is MaMuse, the singer-songwriters and song leaders Sarah Nutting and Karisha Longaker, in a rare Santa Barbara show with their full band. Expect the usual uplifting folk-soul music, except their emotionally intelligent lyrics delivered with strong melodies and interweaving and haunting harmonies will be fleshed out by backing musicians on November 20.

Elsewhere, rock out with Samantha Fish on the well-decorated guitarist’s Paper Doll tour, at the Lobero on November 18. The tour name is that of the Grammy nominee’s new album, which balances reasoned reflection and utter catharsis. Robert Jon & The Wreck open.