Thurs. Nov. 30

We love the Dixie Chicks for all the usual reasons (sound, looks, politics) so we'll go with what the Chicks' Martie Maguire says about the Damnwells, re their CD, "Air Stereo": "I was absolutely hooked, and once my husband started listening, too, that CD was never out of our car stereo. I pushed hard to get them out on tour with us and they blew the audience away." The Brooklyn-based Damnwells - hot on AAA radio - are also the subject of a five-year documentary project which is being submitted to film festivals. And they headline the Middle East Downstairs Saturday Nov. 30, for what promises to be a night of kick-ass country-rock with Frank Smith (a band not a man)  and the Russians (a band not from Russia). Show at 9. Tickets: $12.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 mideastclub.com