Sat. Aug. 4

A friend, a former DJ for WFNX, called recently from his new home in Las Vegas. He had just seen Joe Grushecky (of the Iron City Houserockers) play a sweaty, full-tilt gig at a club and marvelled at what Grushekcy could do at his age, and the passion he still had for gut-level rock and R&B. He wasn't making much money at the gig; he was doing it because, well, that's what he does. (He is, or was, a special needs teacher in a Pittsburgh high school. Day job.) Those are our thoughts when it comes to Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. Some have always seen them as a B-level Springsteen and the E Street Band, but I've come to see them as a workingman's rock band, much like Grushecky and his Houserockers. (He dropped the Iron City), Like Grushecky, Southside Johnny has numerous tie-ins with the boss - on stage, songwriting - but the main thing is just that love of what an emotional high great rock or R&B can bring. We're darn happy Southside Johnny still brings it, and he's bringing it to Harpers Ferrry Saturday Aug. 4. Tickets: $25. Bonus:Boston up and comer Eli "Paperboy" Reed opens. Starts at 9:30.

158 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-   www.harpersferryboston.com