Progressive bluegrass bassist and singer John Cowan comes to the Sportsmen’s Tavern this Friday (Dec. 28) for a 9pm show. As the former frontman for the New Grass Revival, Cowan made a name for himself during the seventies and eighties (along with bandmates Sam Bush, Bela Fleck and Pat Flynn) with an explosive, experimental brand of bluegrass dubbed “newgrass.” Cowan and his current backup band of seasoned musicians— Jeff Autry (guitar), Wayne Benson, (mandolin) Shad Cobb (fiddle) and Noam Pikelny (banjo)—are capably and inventively carrying the NGR torch, and response from fans has been overwhelming, so expect a full house at the Sportsmen’s on Sunday. If you get there early enough you’ll catch the Panfils opening the show.