Critics' picks - pop music

(jim mcguire)

POP MUSIC

HAVE NOTS Not to be confused with the South Carolina comedy troupe, this Boston group is the hottest ska band in town. Fresh off its opening gig supporting the Mighty Mighty Bosstones at the Hometown Throwdown, the fierce and frantic foursome celebrates the release of its debut CD, "Serf City USA." Also on the bill: the Allstonians, the New Alibis, and the Glow. 9 p.m. Jan 23. $8. T.T. the Bear's. 866-468-7619, www.ticketweb.com - JOAN ANDERMAN

RALPH STANLEY

Yes, tickets are $125, but look at it this way: It's bluegrass pioneer Ralph Stanley, no spring chicken at 81, up close and personal with his Clinch Mountain Boys in cozy Club Passim. And surely Stanley (left) picked up some new liberal friends in Harvard Square with his endorsement of Barack Obama during the election season. 8 p.m. Jan. 23. $125. Club Passim. 617-492-7679, www.clubpassim.org - JAMES REED

NEW BLACK EAGLE JAZZ BAND

New England's own Black Eagles, now in their 37th year, are among the most respected upholders of rollicking, traditional New Orleans-style jazz. 8 p.m. Jan. 23. $15-$18. Amazing Things Arts Center (160 Hollis St., Framingham). 508-405-2787, www.amazingthings.org - KEVIN LOWENTHAL

BACA'S WINTER FESTIVAL SHOWCASE AND FUND-RAISER

Local cabaret aces Celia Slattery, whose originals evoke everyone from Carole King to Leonard Cohen, and David Thorne Scott, who applies his ductile voice to American Songbook standards, appear with piano accompanist Mark Shilansky to benefit the Boston Association of Cabaret Artists. 8 p.m. Jan. 24. $18-$20. Blacksmith House (56 Brattle St., Cambridge). www.bostoncabaret.com/tickets.html - K.L.

RISHELL & RAINES

The W.C. Handy Award-winning blues duo of guitarist/vocalist Paul Rishell and harmonica player/vocalist Annie Raines has been nominated once again for this year's awards. The pair is up for Acoustic Artist of the Year and Acoustic Album of the Year for the new live disc, "A Night in Woodstock," showcasing their wide repertoire of original, classic, and lesser-known tunes. 8 p.m. Jan. 24. $15-$17. Club Passim. 617-492-7679, www.passimcenter.org - K.L.

MISSION OF BURMA

Boston's post-punk titans headline the first-ever benefit for Somerville's Center for the Arts at the Armory. The stellar local bill is rounded out with performances from garage-rock survivors the Neighborhoods and rising young indie-rockers Faces on Film. Pictured: Mission of Burma's Clint Conley. 8 p.m. Jan 24. $25. Somerville Theatre. 617-931-2000, www.ticketmaster.com - J.A.