Chris Scruggs

The son of country star Gail Davies and the grandson of Earl Scruggs, BR549 guitarist and Grand Ole Opry stalwart Chris Scruggs might have had a chance at mainstream country success were we not living in the age of Nashville Star, American Idol and Clear Channel. While the country business model turns to classic rock and diva pop, Scruggs turns to pub-rock rave-ups, models himself after Elvis Costello and Eddie Cochran and sprays hot guitar licks like he's putting out honky-tonk fires with gasoline. His one full-length solo album, 2003's Honky Tonk Lifestyle, has become a collector's item, and though he's been working on a follow-up for years, who knows who will release it or when. But anyone who saw his last St. Louis gig at the now-defunct Frederick's Music Lounge knows what a whirling hillbilly dervish he can be.

10 p.m. Saturday, April 12. Beale On Broadway, 701 South Broadway. $7. 314-621-7880.