Unabashed Americana: The Works Progress Administration Band

Think of this acoustic-based super group as a house band for all things Americana.

A loose collective of insanely talented musicians, the core trio includes Sean Watkins (of Nickel Creek), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), and Luke Bulla (Lyle Lovett) as rotating vocalists. Watkins' sister Sara is on most legs of the tour, but not here, unfortunately.

The rest of the WPA band varies according to the show but semi-regular appearances have been made by Bill Frisell, Joni Mitchell, Dave Alvin, Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing) and the incredible keyboard pounder Benmont Tench (Tom Petty). Only Steinberg, however, will be appearing in the Ann Arbor concert line-up.

Still, if there's a reason for local roots rock / No Depression geeks to drool, this is it. Phillips and Sean Watkins duo alone promise an evening of great music, melodies and chemistry. And as you might expect, reports on the band have gushed over their seamlessly beautiful, well-honed craftsmanship. Adjectives like "juicy" and "soulful" have not been uncommon.

And despite reviews that praise the band's ability to let each shining member...well... shine, this is the kind of talent heavy lineup that often leads to band breakup. So catch 'em while you've got a chance!

Tickets are amazingly only $20. Get 'em here.