Live Music Picks June 29-30: George's Friday (WOW!), Rowdy Beaver Saturday

Steve Pryor and his band perform at George's Majestic Lounge previously in Fayetteville. The group always puts on a helluva show and is wildly appreciated at the venue.

On Friday, June 29, George's Majestic Lounge becomes a candy store for the ears for lovers of classic-style rock 'n' roll, blues, Americana and jamband music -- and pretty much anyone who appreciates electric guitar skills.

The venue will host two happy hour sets, one by Earl and Them (as in Earl Cate of the critically acclaimed and much-loved Cate Brothers) from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Garden and the other one by Steve Pryor and his band from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Lounge.

In 1978 Muddy Waters told Steve, "Don't ever put that guitar down!" Since that time he has shared the stage with John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, and Dr. John, Johnny Winter, to name a few. His tours with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and countless performances in concerts, night clubs, and blues festivals have left enduring impressions on all who attended.

Steve's guitar style and singing encompass a history of blues/Americana without compromising his love for extreme, rocking Stratocaster guitar tones. The Steve Pryor band provides plenty of material for the blues purist, however, unlike many strict bluesmen, they see nothing wrong with tapping the roots of rock 'n 'roll to get thier message across.

Steve's rich history also includes his performance in and contributions to the soundtrack of "The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag" as well as projects by Dennis Hopper, ("Chasers"), HBO, Filmwerks, and Melrose Place.

Steve was once described as "Gene Autry stepping off a UFO with a Stratocaster in his hand and an Elmore James song in his heart." With their unique sound, which taps not only into blues but also rock 'n' roll and Red Dirt country-rock, the Steve Pryor band is sure to satisfy all who listen.

In addition to Steve, the members of the band include Lloyd Price (guitars), David White (bass & vocals), and Damon Daniel (drums & percussion). Here's a video from the band:

As if all this wasn't enough, starting at 9 p.m., jamband standout the Flip Off Pirates headline in the Garden with special guests Perpetual Werewolf.

The Flip Off Pirates, based in Fayetteville, are a well-versed heavy funk-rock-soul jamband that defies genres with an off-the-wall style of original music and poetic lyrical messages. One of the most popular party bands in Northwest Arkansas for 10 years running, the five-piece group is a must-see act anytime you can catch them in a public venue. And the addition of Perpetual Werewolf should spice things up considerably.

Admission is a mere $5 at George's Friday night.

If you're looking for something to do on Saturday night, and if you like blues-rock, then you'll want to head to the Rowdy Beaver on U.S. Highway 62 in Eureka Springs for Blew Reed and the Flatheads, a band out of Benton County that sounded huge and awesome the last time I heard them at Jack's about two months ago.

The band starts at 8 p.m.

Following is the schedule for Eureka Springs' venues and music for the weekend (or at least for the ones whom I was able to reach this week. Venues should contact me with their information by 5 p.m. Mondays to be included in each week's Citizen and by 5 p.m. Wednesdays for this blog. Email ccneditor@cox-internet.com or call 479-981-9419.).

Friday, June 29

* Chelsea's: Diversity Band, 8 p.m.

* Voulez-Vous Lounge: Bella Donna, 9 p.m.

* Squid and Whale: David Castro Band, 8 p.m.

* The Aud: CICA Summer Music Festival Symphony Concert with Conductor Thomas Chun-yu Chen featuring soprano Dominika Zamara and violinist Shih-Peng Chang, 7:30 p.m.

* Jack's Place / Centerstage Live: The Barflies, 9 p.m.

* Berean Coffee House: Live jazz with Neil Ogle, 7 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver (Highway 62): Rodney Dangerfield / Dean Martin Show with Mario, 8 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Den (downtown): Diggit Johnson Live and Kicken, 7 p.m.

* Chaser's: Casual Flyze, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 30

* Jack's Place / Centerstage Live: The Barflies, 9 p.m.

* The Aud: CICA Summer Music Festival Symphony Concert with Conductor Thomas Chun-yu Chen featuring Alexander Gilman on violin and Lech Antonio Uszynski on viola in a double concerto, 7:30 p.m.

* Eureka Paradise Bar & Grill: DJ and Dancing

* Squid & Whale: Copesetic, 9 p.m.

* Voulez-Vous Lounge: Swing and A Miss, 9 p.m.

* Chelsea's: Centerfuze, 8 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver (Highway 62): Blew Reed & the Flatheads, 8 p.m.

* Rowdy Beaver Den (downtown): Jesse Dean, 7 p.m.

* Chaser's: Two Mothers Left, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 1

* The Aud: CICA Summer Music Festival Students' Chamber music and solo recital, 2 p.m.

* New Delhi Cafe: Gospel Sunday Brunch with Brick-Fields, 11:30 a.m.

* Chaser's: Solo Sundays featuring Curtis Abercrombie, 7 p.m.