Most of the best shows this week  feature local musicians playing for good causes.
The big event of the week is Heartbreak Hotel: A special Flipfest Fundraiser at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, April 28. Calgary based banjo picker and singer/ songwriter Amy Nelson returns to Lethbridge for the show.
Shaela Miller is also on the bill her band will also back Wanda Krein. There will be a raffle for prizes including a Dolly Parton prayer candle, country inspired pins by local artist Meghan MacWhirter, a selection of used country vinyl and more. Admission to the event is by donation. It begins at 9 p.m.

 It is competing with Maggie Hall’s annual day long fundraiser for Alzheimer’s. There will be a variety of different artists performing at Legends Pub, April 28. Bands include local country band the Mark Hall band, folk group Artemis in the Summer, electronica artist Tyler Vandendool, Calgary bluesman Eric Braun,local blues rock band Good Time Charlie, singer songwriter Bryan Horvat, local metal band Eons of Earth and 123Go. Admission is $10. The music begins at 4 p.m.

But the fun begins early in the week, April 24 with Vancouver classic rock inspired musician Terence Jack stopping by the Slice with local singer songwriter Tyson Borsboom. The early show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.
The Slice has a busy week as the next night, April 25, they welcome back Moose Jaw based blues rockers Johnny 2 Fingers and the Deformities who will be playing with local alternative rock trio the Supervoid. There is a $10 cover for that show as well.

 The Slice features more alternative rock, April 27 with alternative rock band Fox Eyes, and Brooks based Celtic/punk/blues band My Tin hat and Friends. There is a minimum $5 donation for that show.
 As April draws to a close,  it means  get ready to laugh as the Owl Acoustic Lounge features their monthly stand up comedy open mic. You can also laugh at Average Joes, April 26 as local Rotarians return with 10 Rotarians and a microphone, presenting 10 different Rotary club members and stand up comedians.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. it is a fundraiser for Rotary Club of Lethbridge Mosaic. The giggles begin at 8 p.m.

I only caught the end of the Windy City Opry, April 11 at the Slice. I completely missed Vancouver folk duo Chicken-like Birds who always entertain when they are in town.

 I caught the last few songs of youthful Edmonton band the Denim Daddies. They played  ’70s style country rock along the lines of Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers.
 So there was plenty of twanging guitars, steel guitar and Shooter Mac’s keyboards along with a few multi-part harmonies.

 They played a catchy highlight, which won them a songwriting contest in their home town.

 Just because, they also turned Rob Zombie’s 1998 hit “Dragula” in to a pretty spooky country song.

 They wound things down with a slower, spooky number which was reminiscent of some of the Sadies ’ more sinister moments.

The rhythm guitarist / vocalist  Rudigier Metsin noted that was their spaghetti western song.
He was alternating lead vocals with  bassist Rick Visser. Drummer Merv Campbell added extra background vocals as did steel guitarist Bo Winchester.

I always seem to catch Papa King on a set break. But I stuck around an almost full Owl Acoustic lounge, April 7 for some of his set. He wanted to say hi to everyone in the room who came out on an ugly night to hear him play.

 As usual, King and his band including bassist Doug Freeman and lead guitarist Marc Belisle and drummer Brandon McPherson.

They opened the second set with a haunting version of blues standard “St. James Infirmary.”

 They quickly picked up the tempo counting off 1,2,3,4, on a long jam  designed to get everyone dancing, which most of them did.

 King rumbled out the lyrics in an appealing, gravelly, Dr. John type baritone, and switched acoustic guitars.

 Marc Belisle who I mostly know from alternative rock band DoubleJack, proved to be a solid blues picker as well.
“Sugar Bee” was a highlight as  was a slide guitar powered version of blues classic “I’m Ready.”

I was sad to only catch  the last song from Calgary punk/ garage rock duo Miesha and the Spanks, April 7 at the Slice. Guitarist Miesha Louie and drummer Sean Hamilton were winding up a hot and sweaty show for approximately 30 people braving a blizzardy, miserable night.

 Miesha belted out vocals with her huge voice and thrashed away on her guitar. Sean Hamilton was a blur behind the drums. Together they were a force to be reckoned with. I look forward to their return.