Eric Bachmann

When Eric Bachmanncame to town last March, he had a full band (Crooked Fingers) at his disposal. This time around, the group's frontman is traveling solo for a more intimate approach. Bachmann got his start more than a decade ago, heading up the now-defunct North Carolina indie-rock outfit Archers of Loaf. Since then, he has moved to Seattle, taken up folk music and adopted a vocal style that is equal parts Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. Bachmann induces goosebumps with epic tales of heartbreak and hope (the two key ingredients to any good acoustic performance). Along with songs from his band's latest release, Dignity and Shame, his recent solo shows have included Johnny Cash covers, audience requests and new material from the group's soon-to-be-recorded fifth album. — Andy Vihstadt