Friday, August 1
Greg Klyma CD Release Party

Ten years ago this week, Greg Klyma was fired from his last straight job. Born and bred in Buffalo, Klyma nonetheless hit the road to try his luck as a traveling musician, and that’s the only job he’s had since. This weekend, Klyma celebrates at least two landmarks: 10 years as a professional musician and the release of Rust Belt Vagabond, his fifth full-length recording. The 10 songs on Rust Belt Vagabond evince maturity not only in the lyrics but in Klyma’s presentation of his work. His vocals and his instrumentation—always strong—have become deeply nuanced and, well, professional. I guess that’s what 10 years on the road making music for a living will do for you. Broadway Joe’s open mic night was the site of Klyma’s amateur debut in 1992, and soon the club became his home away from home. Now Klyma’s homes away from home are in Austin, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts, and he’s bringing some friends from both cities to town for this show: Austin’s the Finer Things will open, and Klyma will be joined by Boston’s Tom Bianchi on bass and Austin’s Sick on fiddle. Buffalo’s Ookla the Mok will play the final set of the night.

—geoff kelly

7:30pm (doors). Broadway Joe’s, 3051 Main Street (837-3650/bjoes.com). $10.