Psyched about Shawn, and tips

PSYCHED ABOUT SHAWN

Am excited today because I've been asked to help anchor a Q&A with one of my favorite story song artists, Shawn Mullins, at the Hayden Planetarium next Wednesday (Jan. 23). It's part of the Boston Globe's Arts & Entertainment week and they asked WBOS's Dana Marshall and me to pop the questions to this highly literate songwriter, who also played a show for the station's Copley Square series last summer.
Some people only know Shawn through his original hit, "Lullaby,'' which was huge and had the soothing line of "Everything is gonna be all right.'' But if you've listened deeply to Shawn, you know that his songs tackle situations that aren't always going to be all right. He's a deep thinker and I remember early on he did a groundbreaking tune called "Clarice,'' about falling in love with a woman in the Ku Klux Klan and trying to get her to leave it. He did the song when opening for Chris Isaak at the Orpheum Theatre ten years ago.
I'm also excited to hear Shawn's forthcoming album, "Honeydew,'' which comes out on Vanguard Records on March 11. According to a spokesman, its topics include "railroad workers, traveling salesmen, homeless troubadours, and several generations of family members, living and dead.'' That about sums up Shawn. He's all over the map.
The CD also includes guest appearances from the great Australian singer Kasey Chambers, plus guitarist Peter Stroud of Sheryl Crow's band and Francene Reed of Lyle Lovett's group. I can't wait, but at least I'll get a chance to ask him about it at the Planetarium, where he'll also play some music. Check out WBOS.com for details on how you might attend.

CRITIC’S TIPS
Dennis Brennan & the Iodine Brothers – at Atwood’s Tavern on Thursday, Jan. 17. Another of Dennis Brennan’s side projects, this one usually features guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry on backup (no drummer). It ventures into more cover tunes, but it’s still great.

Johnny Winter and James Montgomery – at Kowloon’s in Saugus on Thursday, Jan. 17. This is a blues brothers night with the legendary Johnny Winter sharing a bill with New England legend James Montgomery.

Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles – at the Lizard Lounge on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18-19. Continuing to make her stamp as a country-rocker who is earning national attention, Borges delves back into the clubs for two nights of bliss. Diane Miraglia opens up Friday, and the Teenage Prayers do the same on Saturday.

Girls, Guns & Glory – at the Paradise Rock Club on Friday, Jan. 18. One of the best new bands in Boston, this group is moving up quickly. They’re on an exciting bill with Three Day Threshold and Cassavettes.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo – at Sanders Theatre on Friday, Jan. 18. Paul Simon used them on “Graceland,’’ and Ladysmith has been on a roll ever since. Beautiful Afro-pop melodies.

The Editors, Hot Hot Heat and Louis XIV – at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 19. Three international breakout rock acts together on the same night. Talk about bang for your buck.

Von Bondies – at Great Scott on Tuesday, Jan. 22. The garage-rocking Von Bondies were helped early by Jack White of the White Stripes, but then the Bondies’ Jason Stollsteimer and White got in a brawl in a Detroit club four years ago. It hasn’t stopped the Von Bondies from still rocking hard.
(Steve Morse can be reached at spmorse@gmail.com)