Live Music

June 12

Luna-chick

The Grateful Dead inspired many a jam band to form, but if one seems to have captured, in particular, Jerry Garcia’s guitar stylings by incorporating them into their own sound, it’s San Francisco’s psychedelic roots-rockers Moonalice. (For starters, check out the live recording of “High Five” on YouTube).

Led by Roger McNamee, aka “Chubby Wombat Moonalice,” on bass, guitar and vocals, the band also features Pete Sears on bass, keyboards, accordion and vocals, Barry Sless on bass, guitar, pedal steel guitar and vocals, and John Molo on drums. Every Moonalice show has an original art poster, which is given free to all attendees.

Hailing from the Bay Area, Moonalice mixes a variety of genres and performances feature extended musical improvisations. They’ll be sharing the stage — and members — with former Garcia partner-in-crime David Nelson, whose band includes Molo, Sears and Sless, as well as Mookie Siegel, who’s played keys with Bob Weir’s Ratdog and Phil Lesh & Friends. Patchouli will be mandatory along with your ID.

David Nelson Band, Moonalice, 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, Alhambra Theater, 4811 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. $25. Info: 503-610-0640, www.alhambrapdx.com.

June 13

The gospel of Mark

Comedian and singer Mark Lowry, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band and the man who wrote the popular Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?,” was recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and is coming to town to do a show with The Martins and pianist Stan Whitmire.

Lowry met the sibling trio of Joyce, Jonathan and Judy Martin when they gave him a cassette tape at a national convention in 1992. Lowry and fellow Gaither Vocal Band-mate Michael English were so impressed they insisted Gloria Gaither listen to an impromptu audition of the group. She got her husband, Bill Gaither, to lend an ear, and the rest is history as the Gaithers helped introduce The Martins to the world.

Mark Lowry, The Martins, Stan Whitmire, 6 p.m. Saturday, June 13, New Hope Community Church, 11731 S.E.

Stevens Road, Happy Valley. $25, $30. Info: 800-965-9324, www.IMCconcerts.com.

June 14

The right to bare arms

In the days of yore, Tracii Guns formed LA Guns with Axl Rose, among other notables, and also belonged briefly to Guns ‘n’ Roses before Slash took his place. A bluesy rockin’ guitar monster, Guns has played with such outfits as Brides of Destruction and Contraband and will shred ears here along with bassist Rudy Sarzo of Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult, as well as singer Keith St. John of Montrose and drummer Shane Fitzgibbon. The new band’s name is Gunzo, and they’re a pistol packin’ pack of power rockers ready to set your hair on fire and your heart ablaze while your head bangs and your fists fulminate.

Gunzo, 8 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E. Burnside St. $12. Info: 503-206-7630, www.bossanovaballroom.com.

At last

A handful of Portland’s finest female singers will pay tribute to the late great Etta James with the annual “Tell Mama” tribute show this week. Duffy Bishop, Lisa Mann, LaRhonda Steele, Lady Kat and Rae Gordon will join the DK Stewart Sextet on stage with guitarist Chris Carlson (who’s also Bishop’s husband).

This annual event honors James, a multiple Grammy winner who was inducted into the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rockabilly halls of fame. We’ve heard all these ladies live and can attest to their power, and Stewart, whose keyboard work has been a part of such bands as the Robert Cray, Paul deLay and Curtis Salgado groups, should make a fine conductor.

“Tell Mama: A Tribute to Etta James,” 8 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St. $18 in advance, $22 at the door. $30 preferred seating. Parent/guardian must accompany minors. Info: 503-764-413, www.albertarosetheatre.com.

Quick hits

• Playing rockin’ blues, soulful ballads, originals and covers, Tracey Fordice & The Eight Balls earned the Cascade Blues Association 2014 Muddy Award for the Best New Blues Act. You can hear the band at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N. Lombard St. Info: 503-283-5014, www.mockcrest.com.

• Singer-songwriter Laura Gibson, whose voice betrays a hint of Bjork, and whose new folk music is eclectic and visionary, has moved from Oregon to New York, but returns here for a must-see show at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at The Old Church, 1422 S.W. 11th Ave. $15 in advance, $18 day of show. Info: 503-222-2031, www.theoldchurch.org.

• Much like the Voidoids here in the U.S., UK Subs were distinguished from other punk bands in the late 1970s by the fact they actually could play. Led by the unstoppable Charlie Harper, they share what promises to be an insane bill with Millions of Dead Cops, Chartbusters and The Whiskey Dickers, at the Panic Room (formerly Tonic), 3100 N.E. Sandy Blvd., at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. $15. Info: 503-238-0543, www.panicroomportland.com.