Alvin Youngblood Hart wrapped his hand around the neck of his guitar as though there wasn't a better thing to hold on to. He played the blues, and that's all there was to it.

Texas songwriter Robert Earl Keen started his show with a middle finger aimed at Johnny Cash, addressing the iconic photo that hangs above the Off Broadway bar with, "What did I ever do to you, Johnny?"

Christopher Porterfield spent about five years developing and crafting what is now Field Report.

Three fantastic bands brought a capacity crowd to Off Broadway on Saturday night.

Playing a mixture of R&B, country and funk, Honey Island Swamp Band performed at the Old Rock House on Thursday night.

It is safe to say that I was among the few first-timers to bear witness to the unique sounds of Menomena last night, as the vibe in the Firebird was electric with the kind of anticipation that comes from knowing a group's music well.

Peabody Opera House welcomed the addictive sounds of Passion Pit to the stage on Tuesday night.

Garagefest -- a three-day music festival at South St. Louis' Heavy Anchor -- took place February 21-23, drawing 16 bands from far and near to celebrate the raw sounds of garage pop and punk rock.

An all-local bill at the Firebird on Saturday brought a few St. Louis favorites to the stage, including Wildeyed, Union Tree Review, Palace and Dots Not Feathers.

Samantha Crain stopped by the Gramophone Tuesday night to celebrate the release of her new album, "Kid Face."