I must admit that this year’s lineup for the American Music Show initially left me a bit  underwhelmed. Although last year’s Romantic’s set wasn’t the highlight of my evening (the Shazam and the Bottle Rockets shared that distinction), I thought it was a good move to add a one-time Top 40 act to the bill. A little something for the masses, if you will. Based on the response to the Romantics, I thought that they might go that way again.

While I still think it might be a good idea to get at least one formerly-popular-but-still-viable band, further review of this year’s lineup does leave me optimistic for a happening night of live music. I checked out the Web sites of the bands, read some press clips and heard some cuts, and I’m convinced that these are quality bands.

A prior commitment (good ol’ fashioned house raisin’) will probably preclude me from seeing the early acts, Eva Hunter and the Hi-Risers. I should catch at least some of Marti Brom w/Rocky Velvet. But I will definitely be on hand for Dale Watson, followed by the Deadstring Brothers, who I expect, based on early projections, to be the evening’s rip-the-roof(if-there-were-a-roof)off-the-joint band.

The Deadstring Brothers will appear in sepia.

Also encouraging is the addition to Taste of Downtown of five craft breweries, starring my dear friends from Sierra Nevada who will be serving up their delectable Pale Ale, along with their Porter (which I plan to sample) and Summerfest (which I may pass on.) New Belgium Brewing will also be representing, along with Leinenkugel, Spoetzl, and Woodchuck Ciders. If you settle for a Bud Light, you might as well grab a McDonald’s cheeseburger and listen to REO on your Walkman; you clearly can’t enjoy the good things in life.

Unfortunately, it looks as if rain might dampen the festivities. Since we already have a babysitter lined up, I’ll be looking for a Plan B if anyone knows of anything else going on Saturday night.