ROCKY’S BEST BETS

THOMAS WADE

During his heyday in the ’90s, Thomas Wade was a seven-time Canadian Country Music Award winner and triple Juno nominee with his group Wayward. He lost his voice to a rare neurological illness in 2001, but has now recovered. Wade recently released his first album in 16 years, “Blue Country Soul.” He’ll be telling his story and singing old and new hits Saturday, April 29, 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Alexander Centre, 160 King St. E. $25.

SHOOTER JENNINGS

Outlaw country music from the son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. Shooter Jennings couldn’t have a finer pedigree. He’s playing a concert Thursday, April 27, in the cosy confines of Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E. (after being moved from The Studio at Hamilton Place. Hard to believe there are still tickets available. With Kelly Prescott. $30 in advance. $35 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m.

FIGURE WALKING

Figure Walking is a collaboration between gritty Winnipeg songwriter Greg MacPherson and drummer Rob Gardiner. They are releasing a debut album “The Big Other” this week on Disintegration Records. It features dance beats, electric guitar and storytelling. Figure Walking performs Tuesday, May 2, at The Casbah (Queen at King West), with Flea Committee, Texas King and Rob Crooks. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.

WRITES OF SPRING

Four of the best songwriters in the country — Amelia Curran (above), Tim Baker (of Hey Rosetta), Donovan Woods and Hawksley Workman — team up to present “The Writes of Spring,” a concert in the round on the fourth floor of the main branch of the Hamilton Public Library, on Wednesday, May 3. Tickets are $39.50, available through ticketscene.ca, Dr. Disc, Picks and Sticks or the library. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show at 9.

GINGER ST. JAMES

Ginger St. James plays steamy cowgirl rock, Patsy Cline style. Ginger and her band the Grinders (Snowheel Slim, Justine Fischer, Greg Brisco and Ray Farrugia) are embarking on a tour of western Canada. Send them off in style with a honky tonk good time Wednesday, May 3, at This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N. It’ll help them pay for gas. With DJ Aerlie Wild. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10.