NAME RECOGNITION: We've got a pair of musical acts tonight, that will have you doing double takes. First up is Steel Magnolia (not the movie). The singer/songwriting duo was recently crowned the winners of season 2 of CMT's "Can You Duet" show. Since then, they've been signed to the same label as Taylor Swift, and their first single "Keep on Lovin' You" is climbing the charts. Tonight, you can see them in a free show at Mohegan's Wolf Den, as they get ready to release their first album. The show starts at 8.
Or, you can enjoy some Sam Adams (not the beer) in New Haven. Before he turned to hip hop, the Boston-based rapper was a political science major at Trinity in Hartford (and was even captain of the soccer team). Tonight, Sam is showing off his verbal skills at Toad's Place. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
BLUEGRASS JAMMIN: You can pick your friends, and you can pick your banjo, but can you pick your friend's banjo? We're not sure if you can find that answer tonight, but there's no better place to ask than the Huntington Street Cafe in Shelton. They're hosting the Hot Pickin' Bluegrass Jam tonight (and every Wednesday for that matter). They promise the hottest bluegrass jam this side of the Ozarks. Now that's a big promise. The show is free and starts at 8 p.m.
KNAPP TIME: In 2003, she was nominated for two Grammys and has won a Dove Award (recognizing the best in Christian and Gospel music). But shortly after finding all that success, Jennifer Knapp gave it all up, and has spent the past seven years traveling to places like the remote corners of the Australian outback. She says she took the time to fall in love with music all over again. Now, the folk singer/songwriter is back on stage (she was part of this summer's Lilith Fair), and is playing at Infinity Hall in Norfolk tonight. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $25-$35.
