Fri. March 16

One of favorite country-esque bands of yore was the Country Bumpkins, who brought an alt-rock attitude to the genre long before the No Depression movement was conceived. As such, we're also keen on the Stumbleweeds, a Boston band that takes the hard driving country/rockabilly sound of the past and thrusts it into the presence. Singer-guitarist Lynnette Lenker formed the band back in '99. It now includes lead guitarist Dennis Kelly (called Big Earl by some for reasons we do not know), bassist Jack Hanlon, drummer Johnny Cote and backing cocalist Lisa Beauregard. They're at the Milky Way Friday March 16 with the another hard country band the Brimstone Assembly opening. Tickets: $10. Starts at 10 p.m.

405 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-3740 milkywayjp.com