Stacey Earle began her career in 1990 playing rhythm guitar for her brother, country outlaw musician and political activist Steve Earle. After putting in some touring time with her kin, Stacey married fellow songwriter Mark Stuart in 1994. In 1998, the two musicians set up the indie record label, Gearle Records, and released Stacey’s debut, Simple Gearle. Twelve months later, Stuart’s solo debut, Songs From A Corner Stage, was released. In 2001, the two musicians finally came together for the in-concert record, Must Be Live, and have complemented each other perfectly on stage and in the studio ever since. Earle and Stuarts’ past Buffalo performances have been nothing short of mesmerizing and the couple’s blend of country, blues and folk has provided the soundtrack for some of the Mohawk Place’s most intimate evenings. Locally–based singer songwriter Matt Smith opens Monday’s show. Since the demise of his former band, Scott Carpenter and the Real McCoys, Smith has revealed himself to be an excellent and prolific songwriter with songs that combine rootsy influences with a love of straight ahead rock.

Monday, February 6 at 8pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk St. (855-3931). $7