Thurs. March 27

Groovy rock music and belly-dancing. Ah ... Samarra, our favorite belly dancing queen (in photo), pops up in some of the strangest (and not so strange) places. Frankly, we didn't have her pegged as an Abbey Lounge type of gal. But she will be there Thursday March 27 for the CD release party of the Boston-based band Black Fortress of Opium, a hypnotic and soulful trio featuring the vocals of Ajda the Turkish Queen, guitar (but it can sound like a sitar) player Tony Savarino an drummer Joe Turner.

Their sound: Somewhere between the darker side of Americana and the Middle East. Yes, that's the belly dance connection! We don't think the other bands on the bill have much do with that, but we heartily recommend the witty pop stylings of Ad Frank (solo) and from Garvy J, just because of his late, great caustic band,  Elevator Drops. The Invisible Rays open up around 9, and sorry we haven't heard them yet. But it looks like a quality bill and Samarra will open the show and dance between acts. Tickets: $8

3 Beacon St, Somerville, 617-441-9631 www.abbeylounge.com