January 11 - 18, 1 9 9 6

Roadtrips

After a couple of slow, post-holiday weeks in clubland, the pace is finally starting to pick up. There's lots of regional talent out and about this week. Boston's churning Otis headline a potent bill at the Middle East (497-0576) in Cambridge on January 11, with openers Quintaine Americana, V Card, and Loader. On the 13th, Otis hit Club Babyhead (401-421-1698) in Providence with those hard-rockin' gals in Swank. R&B screamer Barrence Whitfield and his Savages heat up the Call (401-274-8584) in Providence on January 11 and Johnny D's (776-2004) in Somerville on January 13. And smooth soul crooner Mighty Sam McClain hits the Call on January 13 and the Regattabar (876-7777) in Cambridge on January 17.

Former Bostonian Dean Wareham brings his Luna around to Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel (401-272-5876) in Providence on January 12 for an all-ages gig with the Godrays, and to the Middle East on January 13 for a show with New Radiant Storm King and Push King. NYC's Murphy's Law descend on Club Babyhead on January 12 and the Rat (536-2750) in Boston on January 14. And Providence's Velvet Crush bring their winsome pop and their exceptionally charming drummer to T.T. the Bear's Place (492-BEAR) in Cambridge on January 12 and to the Met Café (401-861-2142) in Providence on January 14.

Looking ahead, those quirky popsters They Might Be Giants are headed for Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel on January 19 and the Paradise (562-8800) in Boston on January 20. Boston's Helium team up with the Matador labelmates from NYC, Railroad Jerk, for shows at the Met Café on January 19 and the Middle East on January 20. And the Dambuilders are back from their vacation and gearing up for a gig at the Middle East on January 25 with Smackmelon and the 26th at Club Babyhead.