Sunday, May 24
The Zodiac (formerly Club Bijou)

Country music — it’s either your thing, or it isn’t. And while my opinion has, for a significant portion of my life, fallen into the latter category, I’m starting to understand the appeal. Thanks to alt-country, a hybrid genre of country and alternative rock, country music is reaching a broader audience, becoming more accessible to not-in-my-lifetime listeners. Bands and musicians like Wilco and Ryan Adams have helped me see the light, and now there’s a female alt-country counter-part on the rise. Maureen Davis, formerly of Toledo’s own Maureen Davis and the Movers, is currently on tour with The Flutterbies (based in California), and their sound has received tremendous praise for successfully blending the two genres. Davis is the whole package: soul-stirring vocals, provocative lyrics and sultry looks. This combination, on top of guitarist Bart Ryan’s mad slide guitar skills, helped them win the 2009 South Bay Music Award for best country artist. The band is sure to convert other rock enthusiasts who might want to break on through to the country side. Also recommended for any existing country music lovers. The Flutterbies featuring Maureen Davis take on Toledo at The Zodiac on Sunday, May 24. The Coosters also play.
$5. 9 p.m. 135 S. Byrne Rd.
www.theflutterbies.com.                —ER