Upon first viewing, the mountain dulcimer would appear to be one of the most mundane string instruments in existence. The mountain dulcimer looks more like a child’s toy than an actual instrument, but performer Butch Ross is trying to change this misperception. He’s only been a Chattanoogan for a year and already he’s performed multiple times at local venues. I saw his set this past Thursday night when he opened for Robinella at Rhythm & Brews. His set consisted of folk songs an various instrumentals, including blistering version of Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” and The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” We’re lucky to have such a talented, interesting musician living in Chattanooga.

Listen Here

Some shows for your ears and eyes:

It’s a little bit rowdy and a little bit sad, but if country music is your cup o’ tea, Rhythm and Brews is where you need to be tonight. Drivin n’ Cryin is performing at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

The Biscuit Burners return to Chattanooga’s Barking Legs Theater on Saturday night. This high-energy bluegrass quartet is all the rage among bluegrass connoisseurs. Tickets are $12. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Also on Saturday night, Paleface returns to JJ’s Bohemia for an evening of gravely acoustic tunes. He’ll be joined by Monica Samalot on drums and vocals. There are three other bands on the bill, too. Tickets are $5. Showtime is 10 p.m.