click to enlarge

Friday Cheers kicks off its season with the blues and funk of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears. Influenced by Howlin’ Wolf and James Brown, this Austin, Texas, group was named one of the 10 bands set to break out at South by Southwest in 2009. While crafting its own sound, the group specializes in throwbacks to the greats of yesterday in songs such as the brutally honest “Bitch, I Love You” — tunes full of sounds deeply rooted in blues and soul rock. The group’s debut album, “Tell ‘em What Your Name Is,” caught enough industry attention that it allowed the band to perform at numerous huge music festivals, including Bonnaroo, Coachella and Bumbershoot. The group’s latest release, “Scandalous,” offers a well-crafted collection of funk songs guaranteed to get people moving. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears perform at Brown’s Island on Friday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. $5. 788-6466.