POSITIVE APPROACH:

Frank Turner is like a more huggable Mike Ness. Like the Social Distortion frontman, Turner is a punk guy with an affinity for roots music and a penchant for writing earnest and personal tunes. His latest is “Positive Songs for Negative People.” 7 p.m. Thursday at House of Blues, 1204 Caroline; $25-$35; 888-402-5837, hob.com. 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Cactus Music, 2110 Portsmouth; free with purchase of album; 713-5269272.