Fred Eaglesmith

It's an unjust business that makes Toby Keith a superstar while a true, guitar-toting talent like Fred Eaglesmith remains obscure. At least Keith has good taste. He covered the Eaglesmith song "Thinkin' 'Bout You" for the otherwise banal movie Broken Bridges. The upside to Eaglesmith not being more rich and famous is the guaranteed intimate setting at his Knuckleheads Saloon gig, which will allow new and old fans alike a chance to experience a modern-day Woody Guthrie up close. The Canadian Eaglesmith is an Americana man, a true-grit guy whose songs about heartbreak can move you to tears without making you feel like a sissy. That's because, unlike so much mainstream country, Eaglesmith lyrics aren't kitsch. Which isn't to say he's all serious. Eaglesmith can lead a rowdy, rockin' good time, as when he sings about having a "Big Ass Garage Sale."