Area-based singer/songwriter Brendan Shea writes about things that are intimate enough you’ve gotta give him credit for baring his soul to a live audience. Themes of twentysomething angst set to haunting melodies contrast with a roots-rock style and country flair to keep things lively. Formerly of the local rock group The Switchbacks, Shea’s songwriting skills and stage presence quickly made it clear that he could carry a show on his own, and in 2006 he released his solo EP Good Distractions. Shea headlines an acoustic showcase at Mohawk Place tonight (Thursday, March 29) at 8pm, along with other local talents Bill Eager and Platypus Rex