Looking to expand your horizons and discover some local music? Fortunately for fans of all stripes, the scene in North Texas is starting to pick up again after the annual post-holiday lull.
Here are six safe local-show bets for the next several days, a couple of them free to see.
Jacob Metcalf at the Kessler
We discussed Dallas singer- songwriter Metcalf's newest music a few weeks back when he had a listening party for his upcoming solo album, Fjord, at the Kessler Theater. Now that his new record -- an exquisitely produced and arranged collection of folk-pop -- is ready for its debut at the end of the month, it's time for Metcalf to put on a proper album- release show. That means he'll be backed by a band of familiar musical cohorts from other associated acts such as the Fox and the Bird. Opening for Metcalf is the equally buzzy singer Kaela Sinclair.
Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis St., Dallas. $15-$25. prekindle.com.
Wesley Geiger, Earnest Matthew at Double Wide
For a mere fiver, you can see two of the most promising Americana singer- songwriters in Big D. Geiger's first album, 2014's El Dorado, plays like the soundtrack to a reflective road trip, which makes sense considering he did a lot of his songwriting and brainstorming while driving back and forth between Dallas and college in California. Earnest Matthew is the stage name of Dallas' Matthew Bridgman, who says he's found new lyrical and sonic approaches since releasing his debut record, The Knowledge of Good and Evil. Where previously he was looking inward for ideas, he's now "attempting to reconcile my experience with that of those around me," he tells us.
Jan. 22 at 9 p.m. at Double Wide, 3510 Commerce St., Dallas. $5. ticketfly.com.
Sarah Jaffe with special guests at Dan's Silverleaf
Anyone who pays even the slightest attention to local music knows Jaffe as one of the breakout successes of the last several years. Whether delivering simple folk or complex, unique pop, she's always a highlight thanks to her unimpeachable vocals. But her two-night stand in Denton is notable not only for her material but for the acts who will open for her. The first night will see the Dallas funk-pop artist Ronnie Heart get the crowd moving, and Denton's Doug Burr will deliver soul-stirring folk-rock the second night. All three acts mentioned here are among the best-reviewed, so take the journey to Little D if you have the wherewithal.
With Ronnie Heart, Jan. 23 at 9 p.m., and with Doug Burr, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m., at Dan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St., Denton. $17-$22. prekindle.com.
Jazz, funk, R&B and hip-hop residencies
A couple of the finest weekly local-music shows won't cost you a dime at the door (although it's nice to throw some merch money or even rounds of drinks the way of the hardworking performers). On Mondays, Sundown at Granada plays host to the Dallas jazzy, funky improvisational crew Funky Knuckles (Jan. 25 at 10 p.m. at 3520 Greenville Ave., Dallas).Tuesdays at Deep Ellum's Three Links are all about CoLab, another large group of Dallas players who focus more on hip-hop and soul (Jan. 26 at 9 p.m. at 2704 Elm St., Dallas). Finally, one of Big D's longest-running R&B events, the Jam Session with RC and the Gritz, remains a weekly destination at Prophet Bar (Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. at 2548 Elm St., Dallas. $10. ticketfly.com).
