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I got word from Chris Maxwell over at the Red Dragon that time is limited for the homespun venue at the corner of Government and Foster. The city is forcing them out of the building for turn-lane improvements at the intersection. It's really a shame because the Red Dragon is a beautiful thing: small intimate shows early in the evening featuring big-name artists from the folk and roots rock worlds. Retaining the name of the tattoo shop that once occupied the space, Chris puts on these shows out of a fervent love of the music. All door proceeds go to the artists and VIP seats are sold to help defray the costs of lodging. The music world is often rightly depicted as an ugly business that has actual music at the bottom of its priority list, and places like the Red Dragon are an anathema to that. Oh, and drinks are free with the price of admission, usually hovering around $10 to $15.

Austin twang and tall-tale duo Christine Albert & Chris Gage will be at the Red Dragon on Friday evening, and Bill Mallonee, singer-songwriter from the critically acclaimed band Vigilantes of Love will be there on Monday. If you know of a place that the Dragon may roost, or just want to know more about the place, drop Chris a line at cmaxwell@premier.net.

Elsewhere this week, classic country songwriter Billy Joe Shaver will bring his highly original take on roots rock, and Gov't Majik, fronted by former Hi-Life Players mastermind Bru Bruser, will bring Fela-grade afro-funk to the Chelsea's stage. Russian Circles and Daughters will come down heavy at Spanish Moon on Saturday.

Wednesday, June 18

John Gray (6 p.m.) and Mike Foster Project (10 p.m.) at Chelsea's

The Wuznats, John Brannon and Jon Gamble at North Gate Tavern

Thursday, June 19

Kottonmouth Kings and The Expedables at The Varsity

Billy Joe Shaver at Chelsea's

ConCoCtion, Leo Madriz and Kid Midi at North Gate Tavern

Medicine Nation at Roux House

Steve Levine at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux

Friday, June 20

Shinedown at The Varsity

Christine Albert & Chris Gage at the Red Dragon

Hi-Five at Spanish Moon

Rebirth Brass Band at Chelsea's

SuperVillain at North Gate Tavern

Laurel & the Edge at Roux House

The Copas Trio and Susan Owens & Time Warp at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux

Medicine Nation at Phil Brady's

Saturday, June 21

Russian Circles and Daughters at Spanish Moon

Gov't Majik and the Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra at Chelsea's

The Blue Hit and Cohen at North Gate Tavern

Real Time at the Roux House

The Trouble with Lefty at Boudreaux & Thibodeaux

Contajus at Phil Brady's

JJ Johnson at Teddy's Juke Joint

Monday, June 23

Bill Mallonee (of Vigilantes of Love) at the Red Dragon