The annual American roots music festival Twangfest turns sixteen this year, and its organizers have put together an especially sweet birthday bash. Space doesn't allow for the full list of performers (head to www.twangfest.com for that), but every night at Blueberry Hill has something special in store. Thursday features a headlining spot by Kelly Hogan, whose role as Neko Case's melodic foil only hints at the country soul found on her fine new LP I Like to Keep Myself in Pain. Friday features a one-two punch from Langhorne Slim and proud Missouri sons Ha Ha Tonka, and Saturday concludes with elder statesman John Doe, whose X membership proffered bottomless punk cred that he morphed into singer-songwriter career of high esteem.
Rock Globally, Twang Locally: St. Louis' Pretty Little Empire will open Thursday's show, and local quartet Rough Shop will kick off Saturday's set.
