Music to Your Ears

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club

Gary Isaacs

Yeehaw-goth meets full Rooster

Alt.country/gothabilly sextet Slim Cessna's Auto Club's aural toolbox includes Americana, blues, gospel and good, old-fashioned country and rock and roll. The Denver-based group is an Alternative Tentacles darling and purveys darkly themed barnburners at Low Spirits (2823 Second Street NW) on Sunday, Feb. 10. Española gonzo-roots six-piece The Imperial Rooster open, and these cats will go crazy on you. The 21-and-over gig starts at 8 p.m., and admission is eight clams.

Blues Control

Control issues

Some Duke City denizens will undoubtedly be road-tripping to El Paso's Tricky Falls (209 South El Paso Street) for the Morrissey concert, on Tuesday, Feb. 12. But there's a hometown show that’s as thrilling as the Pope of Mope. Blues Control hails from Queens, New York, and the duo synthesizes modern composition with psych tendencies and a practically unique sonic palette. Pianist Lea Cho and multi-instrumentalist Russ Waterhouse comprise an ambient act unlike many you’re likely to see. Blues Control, local supergroup Fando and punk upstarts Fort Hobo play Small Engine Gallery (1413 Fourth Street SW) on Tuesday night. The music starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are only $5.

Battling the city

The hip-hop genre is known for a friendly attitude toward collaboration, but competition can be even more fun. See if I'm right on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Desert Banditz' Mic Club 7 artist competition. In addition to performances by Dolla Bill and Masta of Ceremoniez, 12 prospective up-and-comers vie for your attention and the judges' hearts at Launchpad (618 Central SW). The mic gets rocked at 9 p.m., and admission to the 21-and-over battle is $10. Four judges will rank Lumpz One, D.I.E. Set, Dayeen and nine other locals on performance, stage presence, crowd control, creativity and content.