Synergistic Street Smarts

Downey's most famous blues explosion bring their brand of American roots music. Minus one Alvin-that would be Dave "King of California" Alvin- but with big brother Phil still at the helm, the Blasters rock on without their onetime lyricist, continuing to draw on the band's early days worshiping at the throne of T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner and Buck Owens. The Blasters have been a cult favorite for decades, a rep built from sharing stages with everyone from X to the Cramps to Dwight Yoakam to Queen. And they always save their best versions of "Marie, Marie" and "I'm Shakin'" for the sweat and tears of the stage, rock's real comfort zone.
Sat., Feb. 23, 8 p.m., 2008