Choo-Choo

It’s almost too perfect for a balladeer nicknamed The Train to kick off the third annual Boxcar Music Showcase. Wayne “The Train” Hancock is a dead ringer for Hank Williams, and he pens his own bar burners for Bloodshot Records. He’ll do the honors tonight alongside hillbilly rhythm-and-blues ace Webb Wilder and Texas twangers Eleven Hundred Springs. The three-day showcase, which benefits KKFI 90.1, offers a saucy roster of blues, R&B, gospel, rock, alt-country, rockabilly and zydeco acts. Fortunately, the hot licks blazing off the stage will ram full-force into an air-cooled tent, an icy-cold beer garden and the interior A/C of Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456). Tomorrow’s lineup boasts headliner CJ Chenier, Zac Harmon, Duke Tumatoe, Smokin’ Joe Kubek, Michael Burks and ex-stripper-turned-blues-diva Candye Kane. Sunday’s bill features Plateros, Jimmie Bratcher, Brian Capps, Dale Hawkins, Bonnie Bishop and headliner Paul Thorn. Get a single-day pass for $25, or pick up a three-day pass for $60.

Knuckleheads

Aug. 17-19