GRAHAM ROCKINGHAM’S BEST BETS

JAMES BLONDE

James Blonde is a talented pop-rock trio from Niagara Falls , featuring guitarist Steph Mercier, drummer Phil Taylor, and bassist Neil Carson. They have a knack for catchy melodies and the ability to make one helluva racket. They perform Thursday, Sept. 14, at Club Absinthe, 38 King William, with Flowers For Daniel and Pat Robitaille. 8 p.m. $10 at the door.

SUE FOLEY

Sue Foley is an Ottawa-based blues/singer guitarist who learned her stuff as a regular at the legendary Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, Texas. Foley performs Friday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. at Shed Brewery in Dundas in a special benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Medical Ministry International. $100 includes beer, wine and food. Advance tickets at bruha.com.

AUSTRA

Austra is the electro-art-rock project of Toronto’s Katie Stelmanis, backed by Maya Postepski on drums, Dorian Wolf and Ryan Wonsiak on bass and keyboards. Austra has recently released its third album “Future Politics” and brings the ambitious new album to The Casbah (Queen at King West) on Saturday, Sept. 16. Admission is $20.

TOMI SWICK

Tomi Swick’s rootsy “Yukon Motel” album maybe the Juno-winning Hamilton singer-songwriter’s best. The Slaight Music label is now releasing a special vinyl edition which will be available Saturday, Sept. 16, at Swick’s show at This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., with guests Steve Strongman, Matty Simpson and Thompson Wilson. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $20.

BLACK COLLAR UNION

If you caught Black Collar Union’s set with members of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra at Supercrawl, you’ll probably want to see more of the local rock band. Black Collar Union performs Friday, Sept. 15. with Big Durty, Lawless Sons and Red Lines. Doors open at 9 p.m. at Club Absinthe. $10. Advance tickets at Dr. Disc or on line at casbahlounge.ca.