1ST ANNUAL FUNK BALL
U.S. Pipe & the Balls Johnson Dance Machine will host Nightown Band, Demon Funkies, Caleb Riley Funk Orchestra and Denver Funk Mob at this event, where you’re encouraged to dress in your funkiest attire. Tonight, Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Ave. 7 p.m. $10.
THE HOT STRINGS
This bluegrass quartet headlines a benefit for fellow musician Frank Wolking, who’s undergoing chemotherapy for an aggressive form of esophageal cancer. Tonight at Swallow Hill, 71 E. Yale Ave. 8 p.m. $21.
GEORGE INAI
Denver native Inai employs Japanese and Big Band influences in his uniquely Southwestern music. He’ll perform with his band, the Curious Ghost Ensemble, Saturday, Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St., 9 p.m., $6.
GEORGE WHITESELL
This Colorado Springs blues-swing artist and his All-Stars (featuring vocalist Jill Watkins) play the Tri Lakes Center for the Arts in Palmer, Saturday, 304 Highway 105, 7:30 p.m., $12-$18.
Staff writer John Wenzel can be reached at 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com.
