Even George Argyros Cant Bum Me Out Now!

Born Mac Rebennack, Dr. John has been on a creative roll for years, following a period of relative inactivity and indifferent albums in the late '70s through the mid-'80s. The re-resurgence started with his Grammy-winning 1989 album of standards, In a Sentimental Mood. In 1992 came the wholly fucking superb Goin' Back to New Orleans, a collection of traditional Crescent City tunes played with some of the city's most esteemed veterans. Television (1994) was a hot funk disc, almost the artistic equal of his most popular album, 1973's In the Right Place. Anutha Zone, a spooky-assed voodoo-funk-blues outing, was among the best albums of 1998. The Doctor's new CD, Duke Elegant, is a tribute to Duke Ellington, interpreting the master's classics as funk/bop with a tight, fine jazz sextet.

Etta James and Dr. John in one night on one stage? This is as good as it gets—don't miss it!

There are lots of other great shows going on this week, but there's not enough space here to do justice to them all. Still, I'd be remiss if I didn't at least point out that living legend RAY CHARLES is at the Orange County Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday nights; RED MEAT—a very entertainingly silly-assed hillbilly band produced by Dave Alvin—plays the Abilene Rose on Friday night; local workingman's hero CHRIS GAFFNEY will be at the Blue Cafe on Sunday night; and juju bwana KING SUNNY ADE plays the Coach House on Monday night. Weeks like these make OC residency seem worth putting up with the Orange Crush, George Argyros and the Dornan family, don't they?