If you like blues that can both bring you up and bring you down, you’ll want to bring yourself to Hallwalls on Friday (Jan. 25) at 8pm for “Where Words & Music Meet: Multiple Shades of Blue,” presented by the Just Buffalo Literacy Center. Performing will be LaShaun phoenix Moore, a poet, vocalist and activist from Detroit, and N’Tare Ali Gault, a slam poet, award winning actor, playwright and director from the WNY area. The performance also features the Shorty Long Blues Band, comprised of members from the Buffalo Blues Society, and series emcee Joyce Carolyn.

Kicking off 2008 and their upcoming tour with a bang, Lockport-based band Sixpin will play a hometown show at The Evening Star on Saturday (Jan. 26), at 9:30pm. Before embarking on a series of mini-tours, leading to a full national tour in the spring, the band will introduce fans to a brand new light show and a new line of merchandise. They’ll be giving away a ton of gear at Saturday’s show, signed by the band of course, and be playing their own proven brand of rock and alterna-pop which, in their own words, sounds like “A train running through your front door, accompanied by Frank Sinatra.” Ages 18+

Ice Cream Social (ICS) will unveil their new CD Way Into Gold on Saturday (Jan. 25), with a CD Release Show at Mohawk Place. Special guests include the Appreciation Post, London VS. New York, DJ Matty Ice & Mr. Nick. There will be raffles and prizes all night, and audience members will receive a copy of Way Into Gold free with the price of admission (only $6). ICS is comprised of Tom Ballou (vocals), Jenessa Kornaker (keyboard/vocals), Steve Schmitt (guitar), Donald Lavis (drums/percussion/vocals), Daniel Morris (keyboard/vocals) and brand new member Michael Bisson (bass/vocals). Six of them, and they almost all sing, creating super catchy, melodic synth pop that sounds as bright, fun and summery as—one might say—an ice cream social. We say its a perfect antidote to late January in Buffalo. Doors open at 9pm

Timing, they say, is everything. In the late 80s and early 90s, the Pine Dogs were one of the most popular original bands in WNY, and about the only one that was drawing from rock, R&B and country roots. A decade later these elements would be identified as the distinct genre called Americana—right after the band released their final record, Mighty Engines of Love. Gurf Morlix, at the time working with another virtual unknown named Lucinda Williams, produced that record. But it was in small local clubs like Marshall’s that the Pine Dogs arguably did the finest version of Williams’ song “Passionate Kisses,” long before it went on to become a hit for Mary Chapin Carpenter. The original five-piece lineup featuring Jim Whitford, Don Vincent, Jim Celeste, Tom Fischer and Gretchen Schulz will get together for a rare reunion show on Sunday (Jan. 27) at the Sportsmen’s Tavern at 5pm. Fans of real American roots rock should not miss it.

Hailing from Tuscon, Arizona, Luca is the brainchild of Nick Luca, a much in-demand recording enigineer who has helmed records by such acclaimed acts as Calexico, Howe Gelb and Neko Case. He also recently served time as guitar player for former X frontman John Doe. Tinged with power-pop, psychedelia and country, Luca (the band) produces lush sounds that alternately bring to mind the Pernice Brothers, Badfinger and even Uncle Tupelo. Their most recent recording, Fractions (Funzalo Records), is a true gem that would appeal to any fan of the Jayhawks or Beatles-esque rock and roll. And don’t forget to check out their faithful rendition of Jonathan Richman’s notorious “I Was Dancing In a Lesbian Bar.” Luca performs at Mohawk Place on Tuesday (Jan. 29) at 8pm. Opening is Roger Bryan, who is getting ready to record the follow up to his acclaimed solo debut The Engine Hum.

moe. plays the Town Ballroom next Thursday (Jan. 31), touring to promote their newest album Sticks and Stones, released almost a year to the date after their last critically acclaimed album, The Conch. Sticks and Stones has ten new tracks, eight of which have never before been performed and two are previously unreleased. Recorded in a rented old church in New England, moe. used the intimate atmosphere to enhance their creative voice. Established as a local bar band here in Buffalo circa 1990, moe. has delivered over 20 releases and done countless tours, opening for such bands as the Allman Brothers and the Who, as well as headlining New Year’s Eve festivities at Radio City Music Hall for the past two years. moe. will also play a free, in-store performance at New World Record—before the Ballroom show—starting at 4pm—carol christman