Jim James & the Damn Shames are a Madison, based trio who sound like they just rolled into town off the hot dusty trails of West Texas. Performing material off their upcoming debut CD, JJDS mix the Honky Tonk swagger and sun-drenched sounds of their myriad influences into a unique and organic original sound. Whether it be a rollicking train tune or a rolling river song the rhythm section of Brian Bentley (drums) and Jeff Hammes (upright bass) stand tight behind singer/songwriter/harmonica/guitarist James Travis.

The Motor Primitives are best known for their straight forward, unhyphenated rock. Well, they\'ve got something very special in store for you! While two of the principle band members are currently out of country, singer & guitarist Pam Barrett along with drummer Robin Davies are carrying on with Motor Primitives Orientale. Pam & Robin will be joined by Terri Felton, an accomplished player of a Japanese stringed instrument called the Koto. This performance at Mother Fool\'s marks the only opportunity this summer to hear fresh tunes and a few band standards performed in a \"stripped down\" way that expertly blends traditional western music with exotic sounds of the East.