John Bunzow will celebrate his new self-produced CD “Concrete Paradise” with several local appearances. For his sixth release, John traveled to Nashville where he worked with legendary producer Brad Jones (Hayes Carll, Bobby Bare Jr, Steve Forbert), thanks to a successful crowd-funding campaign that made the project possible.

The album is an eclectic, multi-genre mix of styles, but at its heart are the twelve new songs born from John’s imagination and real-life experiences. One song is inspired by his son and another is a eulogy to his closest friend who passed away late in 2019. He dips into his musical trick bag with acoustic music highlighting his songs and then stretches out with some R&B and blues grooves on others. On this record he hijacks some songs with his tasteful electric guitar soloing and some interesting lyrical and production detours. Recorded in Nashville with “old friends and friends of friends” you’ll find his new release lives up to the high standard John brings to his music.

Music Millennium, 3158 E Burnside St. Saturday, April 4, 5:00 pm. In-store performance. Free.

Catfish Lou’s, 6540 SW Fallbrook Pl, Beaverton. Saturday, April 11, 7:00 pm. $10.00. 21 & over

Strum Guitars, 1415 SE Stark St. Saturday, May 2, 7:00 pm. $5.00.

BRAVO Youth Orchestras’ annual fundraising concert brings together youth and world-class musicians, and this year’s theme is Africamerica, with music from Ghana, Cuba, and the United States, featuring Alex Addy, Alma and Alex Martinez, and Norman “Boogie Cat” Sylvester performing alongside our outstanding BRAVO student musicians. There will also be special appearances by Darrell Grant and Oregon Supreme Court Justice Adrienne Nelson. This concert has grown in scope and sophistication every year, so get ready for an incredible afternoon of music from around the world!

Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St. Sunday, April 5, 4:00 pm. Tickets at Revolutionhall.com, $25.00, $100.00 patron seating, $10.00 student, $5.00 12 & under – all seats reserved.

Blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales was originally hailed as a child prodigy when, at the age of four, he first picked up the instrument. With his older brothers Eugene and Manuel (aka Little Jimmy King) showing him songs and licks in the styles of Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, and BB King among others, Gales’s reputation quickly gained steam. He has recorded nineteen albums and was honored with the Blues Music Award for best blues-rock artist of the year in 2019. Currently touring in support of his latest recording, The Bookends, the album features guests such as Doyle Bramhall II and Beth Hart.

Gales has received many accolades for his skills throughout the years, including words from fellow guitarist Joe Bonamassa who simply labeled Gales as, “[o]ne of the best, if not the best, guitar player in the world.”

Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Thursday, February 27, 8:00 pm.  $35.00 Eventbrite.com. All ages. Ron Artis II & The Truth open.

It’s been said that you don’t choose the blues – it chooses you. For guitar virtuoso Albert Cummings, no words could ring more true. Cummings masterful guitar wizardry has drawn comparisons to iconic axe legends Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, and even his own musical inspiration, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has graced the stage with such esteemed luminaries as Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Susan Tedeschi, Sheryl Crow, and BB King King, who called Cummings “a great guitarist.” With mesmerizing extended guitar jams, Cummings’ Fender Strat sings while he takes you on a twisting and turning blues roller coaster.

Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St. Tuesday, February 25, 8:00 pm. $20.00 advance at etix.com, $24.00 at the door.

You’re invited to Join the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus as they celebrate Carnival season with the Northwest’s most authentic Mardi Gras events.

On Saturday 22, the Tenth Annual Portland Mardi Gras Ball will be held at The Wonder Ballroom. There will be a costume contest, the crowning of the new King and Queen, King Cake, dancing to the tunes of the Too Loose Cajun Zydeco Band and plenty of lagniappe provided by the Mysti Krewe.

On Fat Tuesday, the group will host its annual free Mardi Gras Parade down N Mississippi Ave, complete with throws including their ever-popular limited number of decorated mini umbrellas and a kids costume contest.

A post parade celebration will happen at Mississippi Studios with the Too Loose Cajun Zydeco Band.

Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St. Saturday, February 22, 6:30 pm. $30.00 Etix.com. 21 & over.

Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave. Tuesday, February 25, 8:00 pm. $5.00 Mississippistudios.com. 21 & over.

Check Portlandmardigras.com for more information