Preach on, Preacher

There's an element of Delta blues that's as mysterious today as it was in the 1920s. Sure, Robert Johnson isn't around to make deals with the devil (at least, we don't think so), but there's still something spooky lurking in the music of the delta that's akin to Santeria or voodoo. So do, by all means, check out Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band as it comes to town. But I'm not going near 'em. Their guttural, backwoods sound is as twangy and countrified as it gets. And according to the band's frontman, during a recent show in Colorado, they got a crippled woman to climb out of her wheelchair and dance. Sometimes the blues is haunting beyond explanation. Consider this the type of music best listened to after downing a pint of moonshine and letting all inhibitions cease. While the music is authentic, there are two contradictions here that make the band more intriguing: It's actually a trio (not that big of a band at all), and it's from Central Indiana.

Reverend Payton's Big Damn Band performs Friday, March 9, at Bamboo Room, 25 S. J St. Lake Worth. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18. Visit www.bambooroomblues.com, or call 561-585-BLUE.