“A dude named Steve Poltz (me) in East Nashville wakes up one morning and gets a call from another dude in East Nashville named Dex Green. Dex says, ‘Hey man, you live so close. You oughta come over and make some music. Maybe we’ll document it—who knows, maybe it’s a record,’” troubadour Steve Poltz explains on his website regarding his just-released new album, JoyRide.
“Capturing me in a studio is like convincing a whirling dervish to stop spinning long enough to sign a bill into law,” Poltz continued. “It’s chaos, caffeine, and accidental poetry—art colliding with microphones and commerce in a glorious mess. That’s how JoyRide happened. No seatbelts, no helmets. Just unsaturated, unadulterated art. Real humans making real noise in real time.”
You can hear cuts from the new album as well as songs from Poltz’s deep catalog when Good Medicine, Numbskull, and KCBX present Steve Poltz at The Siren on Wednesday, Feb. 11 (7 p.m.; 21-and-older; $30.08 at goodmedicinepresents.com).
A Steve Poltz show is a high-wire, no-net, anything-can-happen sort of affair where song and stories collide into a shared experience. No one knows what will happen—not even Poltz. The only guarantee is you’ll hear some good music and laugh out loud, and you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
Also this week, Good Medicine presents Jeff Livingstone at Club Car Bar on Friday, Feb. 6 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $12.56 presale at my805tix.com). The soulful LA singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist mixes Americana, folk, and country, “channeling influences from legendary figures like John Prine, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon,” according to his bio. The Charities lead singer Brock Van Pelt opens.
Finally, Good Medicine presents Zoé Basha at Club Car Bar on Saturday, Feb. 7 (7 p.m.; all ages; $12.56 presale at my805tix.com). She’s got an arresting and wistful voice that hovers between Edith Piaf and an Appalachian Mountain yodeler that meet where jazz and folk overlap. Local soulgrass singer-songwriter Miss Leo opens.
Hip to the hop
Good Vibez has two killer shows coming to the Fremont this week, starting with founding Wu-Tang Clan member GZA and his longtime backing group Phunky Nomads playing on Saturday, Feb. 7 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $46.32 at prekindle.com) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Liquid Swords (1995), his second solo album.
Also known as The Genius, GZA was born Gary Eldridge Grice. While his lyrics sometimes eschew typical hip-hop themes, instead focusing on science and philosophy, he also makes it clear he knows the streets. On “Cold World” off of Liquid Swords, he raps, “It was the night before New Year’s, and all through the fuckin’ projects/ Not a handgun was silent, not even a Tec/ Outside as I’m stuck, by enemies who put fear/ And blasted on the spot before the pigs were dere/ You know hoods robbers snipers new in sight, fuck blue and white/ They escape before them flash the fuckin’ lights.”
Good Vibez’s other show is experimental hip-hop trio Clipping on Wednesday, Feb. 11 (doors at 7, show at 8 p.m.; all ages; $33.96 at prekindle.com). I wasn’t familiar, so I went online and found the video for their song “Mirror Shades,” and now I love them. They’re self-deprecating and hilarious and cool as heck.
Fronted by Tony- and Grammy-winning actor, rapper, and writer, Daveed Diggs, along with producers Jonathan Snipes and William Hutson, Clipping is touring in support of their fifth studio album, Dead Channel Sky.
Open Mike Eagle opens.
Free, free, free!
If you’re on a budget (and who isn’t these days), but you still want to get your live music fix plus have some bucks leftover for brews, Morro Bay’s The Siren is coming at you with a hat trick of free shows starting with Big Wheel Cobra on Friday, Feb. 6 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older).
This ’70s-influenced rock band features former members of the Spazmatics, Truth About Seafood, and Boogie Nights who play “a mix of modern to classic rock with elements of R&B and funk,” according to band member Brad Daane. “The band plays a mix of ’70s rock with a bit of R&B and funk—Zeppelin, Queen, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, Boston. Audiences can expect a high-energy show that incorporates humor, crowd participation, and possible spontaneous boogieing.”
On the Flip Side has only been together for a couple years, but the band members each have 50 years of music experience. They play a matinee show on Saturday, Feb. 7 (2 to 5 p.m.; 21-and-older).
Top 40 cover band Midnight Ride plays on Saturday, Feb. 7 (7:30 p.m.; 21-and-older; free). Formed in November 2009, they’ve played thousands of shows, delivering the songs you know and love.
Jah, mon
SLO Brew Live at Rod & Hammer Rock presents the eighth annual Bob Marley Day with Resination, True Zion, Ras Danny, Dubwise Collective, Rastan, Eric Cotton and One Love Bomb, Soulfyah, and Man Like Devin on Saturday, Feb. 7 (doors at 1 p.m.; all ages; $32.36 at ticketweb.com). This daylong event benefits relief efforts for Jamaica, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa last October.
“This year at SLO Brew, the focus is on doing good and helping others less fortunate than we here on the Central Coast,” Bali Isle owner Wendy Oliver explained. “Ras Danny has been doing donations to the Saint Mary’s parish where his son Jermaine lives, as no one has been helping the residents there.
“Packing barrels of food stuffs and necessities plus some zinc or plywood for shelter. This year’s event will include local musicians, vendors, and craftsman involving our blessed community, coming together to aid in a needy cause.”
Low-ticket warning!
If you want to see The String Queens presented by Cal Poly Arts at the Performing Arts Center in SLO on Thursday, Feb. 12 (8 p.m.; all ages; $89 at pacslo.org), you should probably buy tickets right now.
This talented D.C. trio has been “praised for their soulful and orchestral sound” that “inspires through a powerful blend of pop, jazz, soul, and contemporary classics, creating moving musical journeys that stir love, hope, and imagination,” Cal Pol Arts announced. “With rich artistry and emotional depth, TSQ transforms every performance into a celebration of connection, culture, and sound.”
Your ticket also includes a post-show reception with the artists. Complimentary beverages and light bites included.
Hitmakers
Moon Coin Productions Inc. presents Eagles tribute band Take It to the Limit at the Clark Center on Saturday, Feb. 7 (7:30 p.m.; all ages; $59 to $69 at clarkcenter.org). This Canadian band plays all the hits such as “Hotel California,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Take It to the Limit,” “Desperado,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Take it Easy,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and many more. ∆
Contact Arts Editor Glen Starkey at gstarkey@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in Feb 5-12, 2026.