Music notes: Blues legends Clearwater, Cotton play Viper Alley

Blues in the 'burbs

Lincolnshire will be the place to see some classic urban blues when legendary artists James Cotton and Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater take the stage at Viper Alley this weekend. Cotton is a famed harmonica player who has played with some of the greatest blues musicians of all time (Muddy Waters and B.B. King among them). Clearwater is a guitar wizard who adds elements of rock 'n' roll, gospel and country to his sound. Here's a chance to hear the blues played by true masters.

8 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets start at $20. Go to viper-alley.com.

Updated soul

One of the brightest local acts on the scene right now is Chicago's JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, a band that puts an energetic contemporary spin on soul and R&B. Driving rhythms, funky guitar and steamy horns are the hallmarks of the band's sound, and the group has become known as a top-shelf live act. The band, whose last album, “Want More,” came out in 2011 on the local Bloodshot Records label, will perform at this year's Lollapalooza, but you can see them in a more intimate setting this weekend in the city.

8 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $15. Go to metrochicago.com.

Down the road ...

Two bands with roots in the suburbs of McHenry County have just announced that they will be touring together later this spring. The Smoking Popes and Matt Skiba & the Sekrets will perform at a number of venues around the Midwest, including Chicago's Metro. The Popes are led by singer (and Elgin resident) Josh Caterer. Skiba grew up in McHenry, and he's taking a short break from his band Alkaline Trio to pursue this new project. Both groups are known for delivering punk-tinged rock anthems. Their Chicago show takes place in June, but it wouldn't hurt to get tickets early.

9 p.m. Thursday, June 7, at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. $17 in advance, $20 at the door. Go to metrochicago.com.