Victor has been on me about taking him to hear some original live music. The last couple of cover bands we’ve seen have failed to speak to the rock and roll spirit that lives within his soul. I’m betting that the Cynics and the Handcuffs have the chops to sufficiently rock him.

Both of these bands play on Saturday night of the extra-large, two-day American Music Show that kicks off on Friday.

Victor may not be ready to appreciate the twang-and-wit of the evening’s headliner, but I sure will be. As I’ve written before, Robbie Fulks put on one of the best performances I’ve ever witnessed and that was just him and his guitar. He’ll have his band with him on Saturday and I’ve heard tale that their good, real good.

The plan was to take the family down to the show on Saturday, while I checked out Friday’s lineup sans ninos. I missed Dave Alvin the last time he swung through town and wouldn’t make that mistake again. But it seems Tammy will be working so either I take the kids along or you come forth with an offer of babysitting. You can’t do it, can you?

Also playing Friday is a band called the Honeybees, not featuring Ginger and Mary Ann. I’ve heard them on the Sangamon Valley Roots Revival Radio Hour and they kind of hit in that sweet spot where the Ditty Bops always get me.

It looks to be a stellar weekend of music despite the reported scheduling of a Jimmy Buffet cover band somewhere else downtown. Well, dorks like music too so live and let live, I always say.

Here’s your American Music Show lineup for 2009:

Friday

The Honeybees 5PM

Bill Kirchen and Too Much Fun 6:30PM

Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women 8:00PM

The Damwell Betters 10:00PM

Saturday

The Gordons/Tom Irwin 3PM

The Cynics 5:30PM

The Handcuffs 7:00PM

Robbie Fulks 8:30PM

Hillbilly Casino 10:00PM

So, what’s not to like.