• Greg Ginn & The Taylor Texas Corrugators: Thursday, April 30 at Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St. 9:30 p.m. 21 and up. Cover: $8. Though the name Greg Ginn might not ring a bell on first listen for anyone other than die-hard music fans, pop culture might be vastly different without him. Performing at Winston’s on Thursday, April 30 with his latest combo, The Taylor Texas Corrugators, guitarist Ginn is best known for his work with seminal late ’70s-era punk band Black Flag — one of the most exciting bands to ever take the stage. These days, Ginn is performing with a country swing group. While the tempo has slowed a bit, it’s still played with intensity, and the fretwork is instantly recognizable. It’s ironic that no less than Rolling Stone, a corporate magazine that many in the punk movement were at odds with during the ’70s, has recently cited Ginn as one the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. • Jon Goodhue: Friday, May 1 at Dream Street, 2228 Bacon St. 10 p.m. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/jongoodhue. Fans of classic rock sounds will want to check out John Goodhue, appearing on May 1 at Dream Street. Part of an eclectic bill showcasing new talent, which includes artists ranging from progressive/alternative rocker Quincey to acoustic songwriter John January, Goodhue stands out with songwriting that’s as heavy on the hook as it is on the beat. His best tracks, such as “When the Sunlight Hits Your Eyes,” display an anthemic quality that make sthem instantly memorable. Goodhue has been performing primarily solo in recent months, but this will be a full band set, showcasing material from his recent album “Release Me.” • Nathan James: Tuesday, May 5, Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, 7 p.m. 21 and up. www. nathandjames.com Oddly, there are two local performers hitting the stage under the name Nathan James, but in this case we refer to one of the Southland’s best acoustic blues guitarists, as heard in the likes of HBO-TV’s series “Cathouse.” Though San Diego’s blues scene is still a fairly underground movement, a growing number of players are making a splash on the worldwide stage. Names like Earl Thomas, Candye Kane and TomCat Courtney are now revered in Europe for their take on blues and Americana. You can add James, who performs at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge on May 5, to the list. He’s had a particularly good past year, winning a 2008 San Diego Music Award for best album “Hollerin’,” with significant touring to his credit, including shows with Fabulous Thunderbirds singer Kim Wilson. This show kicks off another month on the road for James. This time he is heading to Scandinavia, where his slide guitar work has elevated him to the status of guitar hero. • John Miller: Wednesday, May 6 at Ocean Beach Farmers Market, Newport Avenue and Bacon Street, 6 p.m. All ages. www.myspace.com/johnmillermusic The Ocean Beach Farmers Market may not be considered a music venue, but thanks to local music booster Chuck Schiele, it’s become a prime showcase for San Diego’s acoustic music talent and a great place to try out new material. Such is the case with songwriter John Miller. Miller and his band The Payback debut a new album May 9 at O’Connell’s, but music fans can take an early listen on May 6, when he appears at the farmers market. Ranging from indie rockers like “State of Mind” to hypnotic acoustic tracks such as “Waiting,” Miller’s music is high on the hook quotient without being obvious. Indeed, the latter song veers close to Leonard Cohen territory, in both lyrics and aural setting, marking Miller as more than just your average tunesmith. • Rip Carson: Wednesday, May 6. The Harp, 4935 Newport Ave. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.myspace.com/ripcarsonbooking Ocean Beach is not the first place in San Diego where you’d expect to find rockabilly thriving, but thanks to Rip Carson and the Carcin-o-Genics, Wednesday evenings at The Harp, have become a favorite for both swing dancers and aficionados of ’50s-eraera music. Carson’s sound is authentic down to the last vocal quiver, mixing in influences ranging from country singer Roy Acuff to more pop-oriented performers such as Ricky Nelson, everything played with passion and vintage gear. The trio format can often leave something lacking in sound, but with Carson as frontman that’s never an issue. His playing has already led him into the world of session musicians, but it’s live where his six-string work truly shines. Music lovers will be amazed to hear so much melody emerge from only three musicians. — Compiled by Bart Mendoza
