ROCKY’S BEST BETS X 2

DARCY HEPNER

Hamilton sax wizard Darcy Hepner returns to The Corktown, 175 Young St., on Thursday, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. leading The Mohawk College Faculty Jazz Sextet, featuring Jason Logue (trumpet), Rob Somerville (trombone), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Pat Collins (bass) and Ted Warren (drums). Expect some Miles Davis, old standards and a little funk. Two full sets. $10 admission.

THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA

The Wilderness of Manitoba is the folk-rock vehicle for the songs of Toronto singer/mutli-instrumentalist Will Whitwham. The Juno-nominated quartet recently released its fifth full-length album “Across the Dark” and performs Thursday, Sept. 21, at Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show at 8. $15 at the door.

BRAD CHEESEMAN

Hamilton jazz bassist/composer Brad Cheeseman won the TD Grand Prix Jazz Award at the 2016 Montreal Jazz Festival and followed it up this year with the release of his second album, “The Tide Turns.” Cheeseman brings his band, featuring Adrean Farrugia on piano, Robert Chapman on guitar and Kelly Jefferson on sax to the Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., Friday Sept. 22, 8 p.m., $10.

FLORIAN HOEFNER

German-born jazz pianist Florian Hoefner moved from New York to St. John’s three years ago, composing “Coldwater Stories,” a 10-track album of solo compositions inspired by the Atlantic landscapes of Newfoundland. The album draws on both jazz and classical influences. Hoefner performs Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, 126 James St. S. $20 admission, $15 for students and seniors.

THE ORIGINAL PUNK

Hamilton country sweetheart Lori Yates hosts her sixth annual tribute to Johnny Cash, “The Original Punk,” on Saturday, Sept. 23, at This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St., backed up by her band the Nashville Rejects. Guests include Danny Marks, Chris Houston, Tim Gibbons, Melissa Marchese, Tomi Swick, Mary Simon, Mimi Shaw and Dave O’Connor. Doors open at 8 p.m. $25.