POWERGRAMS

Friday, March 4 @ The Nick, Birmingham Some bands are legendary. Some clubs are equally legendary. The Nick has played host to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Crowes, Black Flag and other national acts. Tonight they welcome Zarinah and the Zaratans. Zarinah Shahid works in Digital Strategy & Engagement providing behind-the-scenes support. But she belts out the songs as frontwoman for the Zaratans. "We do rock 'n' roll, we do blues, we do soul," she said. "We put our own surf twang to each thing that we do." The band boasts a songbook that's among the deepest around. "Be My Baby" (the Ronettes), "Fallin'" (Connie Francis), "For Your Love" (the Yardbirds), "Valerie" (Amy Winehouse) and "Jet" (Paul McCartney) are not typical bar band fare. The Nick owners clearly appreciate it, having invited the Zaratans back several times. "There's always a really good crowd," said Shahid. Her bandmates appreciate the power and poise she brings to the stage. "She's got a good positive vibe about everything," said bassist Jeff Waites. "She really digs in. She sings like the girl groups of the '60s. We're grizzly and growly and she's sweet." Saturday, March 5 @ Acme Feed & Seed, Nashville The musical center of the universe may just be Lower Broadway in Nashville. This riverfront patch has scores of tourists who come to see some of the best live acts in the country. Tonight the Goat Hill String Band is playing Acme Feed & Seed, a cavernous barn of a bar. Not a seat is empty as the foursome gets ready to play. Corporate Real Estate Specialist James Patrick Reed fronts the band, singing and playing guitar. He's joined by a fiddler, a mandolin player and a standup bassist. Their "funky bluegrass" sound is crowd- pleasing. Their musical chops are undeniable. 8 Zarinah and the Zaratans at the Nick. Lead singer Shahid, center, with bandmates Eric Long (guitar), Jon Bernreuter (drums), Robert Russom (guitar) and Jeff Waites (bass). Photos by Christopher Jones

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