Three shows not to miss: Hank Topless, folk fundraiser, reggae fusion

Stumped for weekend plans? Here are three shows that are on our radar.

• Hank Topless CD release: Hard as it is to believe, Tucson honky-tonk country bluesman Hank Topless has only released one full-length solo album in a career that literally started while he was still in high school. But on Friday, Feb. 10, the 54-year-old singer-songwriter is celebrating his second with the release of “Big Black Heart” with a performance from 8 to 11 p.m. at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Miss Lana Rebel and Kevin Mayfield will open.

“Big Black Heart,” released on Tucson’s Americana-country blues label Lonesome Desert Records, includes songs Hank Topless penned during a drug-related state prison stint in 2007-08. When it comes to “outlaw country,” Hank Topless kinda fits the bill in a real-world way, which is not something he’s quick to brag on or take pride in, he said.

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“Just like every person has daily struggles, I’ve certainly had mine,” said the musician, who was born in Phoenix and has called Tucson home since he was a toddler. “I think when people listen to the album they may hear some things ... that this goes to a place that I think your conventional honky tonk, your conventional straight country does not go.”

Admission to Friday’s concert is free and copies of the CD will be available for sale.

• Music in the kitchen: A host of Tucson folkies headed by the multi-talented and versatile Nancy McCallion and The Scarlet Lettermen will perform a fundraising gig for the Tucson Folk Festival at El Casino Ballroom at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. It’s the annual Tucson Folk Festival Fundraiser, hosted by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, and we like to think of it as a little teaser to the big event in May at downtown’s El Presidio Park. Friday’s fundraiser also includes performances by The Carnivaleros, Ned Sutton’s Last Dance Band and Key Ingredients of African Soul. It runs from 7 to 11 p.m. at the ballroom, 437 E. 26th St. Admission is $15. Details: tucsonfolkfest.org or 271-6943.
• Reggae fusion rewind: SoCal’s reggae-rockers Iration must really like the Sonoran Desert. The band is heading our way Thursday, Feb. 9, for an encore, of sorts, to their October KFMA Fall Ball show out at the Pima County Fairgrounds. Thursday’s all-ages show at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., starts at 8 p.m. with reggae revivalists Protoje opening. Tickets are $22 the day of the show at ticketfly.com Details: rialtotheatre.com