Seattle Weekly 2005 Music Awards Showcase

JO MILLER & HER BURLY ROUGHNECKS
Western swing, honky-tonk, and good old-fashioned country live together in perfect harmony in Jo Miller's world. Backed by the four Burly Roughnecks, Miller continues the hillbilly tradition she began as frontwoman for Seattle's late, beloved Ranch Romance. Her smooth, soulful voice meshes well with the Roughnecks' musical backing, which includes stand-up bass and accordion. Americana/Roots/Country/Rockabilly. 10 p.m.

JERRY & THE PHILBILLYS
Acoustic and electric guitars, stand-up bass, honky-tonk piano, vocal harmonies that back up strong, prominently twanging lead vocals: Those are the ingredients that make up local twang merchants Jerry & the Philbillys, one of the city's pre-eminent roots combos. Actually, "roots" might be a bit too general for this crew, whose signature tune, "I'd Go Crazy," has a title that in the song finishes the statement, "If it weren't for country music. . . . " Americana/Roots/Country/ Rockabilly. 11 p.m.

LATIGO LACE
Latigo Lace play high-energy, high-spirited country, but they also move to the beat of classic rock and roll, old-school R&B, and even stomping swing. But country is their real métier, moving from current CMT heavy rotation hits to old Music Row standards like it ain't nothing but a thing. That's probably why they've shared stages with everyone from Merle Haggard to Charlie Daniels and Jo Dee Messina. Americana/Roots/ Country/Rockabilly. Midnight.