Rae Billing and other local gigs to catch
THE ABRAMS
John and James Abrams, bluegrass pickers from Kingston who have signed with Warner, are moving their music toward the country mainstream. They’ve completed a new EP with producer Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Sarah Harmer) and a bouncy new single called “Fine.” The Abrams perform Thursday at Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E., with Eric Brandon. $10 advance or $15 at the door. 9 p.m.
THE DAMN TRUTH
While at a Juno party in Ottawa last month, I stumbled upon a woman with an amazing voice bellowing out Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Her name was Lee-La Baum of Montreal rock band The Damn Truth. The band has a new album “Devilish Folk” that jumps up and kicks you in the teeth. The Damn Truth performs at The Casbah Thursday with Slo Motions and Sun Kings. 8 p.m. $10.
RAE BILLING
Hamilton alt-country singer-songwriter Rae Billing is putting her old band Crybaby back together for a show at the Pearl Company, 16 Steven St. Billing will be backed by Andrew Aldridge, Steve Koch, Greg Brisco, James Henry and Lucky Pete Lambert. Saturday, 8 p.m. $20 general admission. $15 for students and seniors.
HAMILTON & HAYES
Winnipeg violinist, singer and songwriter Raine Hamilton teams up with local singer-songwriter Piper Hayes for a pair of local shows over the next week. The first is a Mother’s Day matinee Sunday at the Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., at 2:30 p.m. ($10). The second is Wednesday at This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., where they will also have Gillian Nicola’s band on the bill ($15, 8 p.m.).
NOLAN HUBBARD
Nolan Hubbard is an extremely talented songwriter with an enchantingly smooth voice. He’s only 20 but his songs are well-crafted upbeat pop and eminently catchy. Hubbard, a Gananoque native now living in Hamilton, recently released his debut album “Luminosity,” recorded in Nashville with producer Doug Romanow. He will be performing the songs at The Doors Pub, 56 Hess St. S., on Monday, 8 p.m., with James Wilson. Admission by donation.