To some, the blues were born in Chicago; to others, it has its origins in the Mississippi Delta. Markus James knows the real deal—that to trace the blues back to their true beginnings, one has to travel to Mali and beyond to meet with, share ideas with and play with indigenous African musicians. The result is a wonderful cross-cultural hybrid evident on his latest album Snakeskin Violin that’s been recently featured on NPR. Once an annual event, his concerts have been getting rarer; don’t miss his first West County show in two years with his band, the Wassonrai, on Friday, Oct. 9, at Studio E. Address provided with ticket, Sebastopol. 8pm. $10–$15. 707.823.5316.Gabe Meline
.Oct. 9: Markus James at Studio E
