Austin-based Slaid Cleaves combines rootsy rowdiness with gothic twang, presenting a brilliant array of country-folk originals inspired by his musical heroes, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers, and Woody Guthrie.

A beguiling storyteller who delves into the hard times and good luck of folks riding along life's highways and byways, Slaid began his career as a "busker," singing and playing guitar on the streets of County Cork, Ireland in the mid-1980s. In 1992 he won the prestigious New Folk competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival, joining the company of Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, and Lyle Lovett. He then went on to record six stellar albums including the award-winning Broke Down (Rounder), which inspired the New York Times to call him "One of the finest singer- songwriters in Texas."

Tonight, expect plenty of original Slaid classics as well as tunes from his brand-new album, Unsung, a collection of memorable songs by folks like Karen Poston and Michael O'Connor. Michael and Eleanor Whitmore will be accompaning Slaid.

Rod Picott opens.