Rhythm Kings

Roccoco, at 20 W. Washington St. in Hagerstown, will host a fundraising brunch from 1 to 4 p.m. today to benefit efforts to help pets that were lost or misplaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The fundraiser will feature a four-course champagne brunch, silent auction and music by the Rhythm Kings. Funds will benefit Second Chance Rescue, a nonprofit shelter in Florida that is making trips to New Orleans in an effort to house some of the pets. Tickets cost $40 each.

Bob Flurie has performed on stage with such well-known musicians as Huey Lewis, Eddie Money, Boz Skaggs and Country Joe and the Fish. Now, he plays guitar with a band that bears his own name. The Bob Flurie Band helped kick off the Western Maryland Blues Fest on Friday by performing a variety of blues styles, from boogie woogie to funk. The lunchtime crowd in front of the Maryland Theatre numbered more than 100. A small gig for an artist who has played before audiences of 20,000.

This year's downtown summer concert series begins today with blues performer Duffy Kane, officials said Wednesday. The series at Hager's Row behind the Tres School for the Arts will feature 10 concerts, one each Thursday, through Sept. 11. Concerts will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., said Downtown Coordinator Karen Giffin. Performers will include blues artists 2 Blue Ensemble and the Rhythm Kings, rock bands Big House and Never Satisfied, as well as the classical Appalachian Wind Quintet, Giffin said.

This year's downtown summer concert series begins today with blues performer Duffy Kane, officials said Wednesday. The series at Hager's Row behind the Tres School for the Arts will feature 10 concerts, one each Thursday, through Sept. 11. Concerts will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., said Downtown Coordinator Karen Giffin. Performers will include blues artists 2 Blue Ensemble and the Rhythm Kings, rock bands Big House and Never Satisfied, as well as the classical Appalachian Wind Quintet, Giffin said.

Oliver's Pub 1565-67 Potomac Ave. Long Meadow Shopping Center Hagerstown 301-790-0011 Sat. - The Howlers 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. no cover Mister V's at Venice Inn Dual Highway Hagerstown 301-797-1122 Fri. and Sat. - Fringe 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. no cover Mansion House Center Square Mercersburg, Pa. 1-717-328-5090 ...

Night clubs Olivers Pub 1565-67 Potomac Ave. Long Meadow Shopping Center Hagerstown 790-0011 Sat. - Lady Ice and the Titanics 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. no cover Siggy's Food and Spirits 454 Norland Ave. Chambersburg, Pa. 1-717-264-9115 Fri. - Phantom Shadow, d.j. and karaoke 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sat. - Oh Ruby 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. no cover Venice Inn ...

Western Maryland Blues Fest Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31 Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 5. o Thursday's concert, 5 p.m. at University Plaza, is free and features The Nighthawks. o Friday's lineup, in the City Central Lot off North Potomac Street in downtown Hagerstown, features Ronnie Ray, Chopteeth, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, and Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers. Tickets for Friday cost $22.50 in advance, $25 at the gate, $9.50 for ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and younger.

o Slideshow HAGERSTOWN -- While artists in the Western Maryland Blues Fest were playing in City Park on Sunday, the next generation of musicians was strutting its stuff at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The performance came courtesy of the Williamsport High School Jazz Commanders, some of whom have been dabbling in music since they were toddlers. A total of about 150 people turned out to see noon and 2 p.m. performances by the band, and the students were excited about their exposure in the music-filled environment.

Pete Lancaster's first impression of the blues was from the vantage point of Texas Stadium. He was attending a ZZ Top concert when Mance Lipscomb, the warmup act, appeared on stage. Lipscomb, a guitarist and singer known for his musical diversity, incorporated some blues into that day's repertoire. "It changed me forever," Lancaster said. The latest result of that change will be visible this weekend. On Saturday, April 23, a "Bout with the Blues" will be held at the North American Rod and Gun Club in Hagerstown.

o Slideshow HAGERSTOWN -- In its nearly 15 years running, the Western Maryland Blues Fest is starting to become a tradition to its followers. The faithful fans who are drawn to the truthfulness of the lyrics and mourning, wailing sounds of a bent note on a guitar talk about coming to the festival as if it's a pilgrimage of sorts. "I think I've come to every one, except maybe the first one," Ken Keebaugh said as he enjoyed the final day of music Sunday during the Family Blues Picnic at City Park.

o Slideshow HAGERSTOWN -- In its nearly 15 years running, the Western Maryland Blues Fest is starting to become a tradition to its followers. The faithful fans who are drawn to the truthfulness of the lyrics and mourning, wailing sounds of a bent note on a guitar talk about coming to the festival as if it's a pilgrimage of sorts. "I think I've come to every one, except maybe the first one," Ken Keebaugh said as he enjoyed the final day of music Sunday during the Family Blues Picnic at City Park.

o Slideshow HAGERSTOWN -- While artists in the Western Maryland Blues Fest were playing in City Park on Sunday, the next generation of musicians was strutting its stuff at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The performance came courtesy of the Williamsport High School Jazz Commanders, some of whom have been dabbling in music since they were toddlers. A total of about 150 people turned out to see noon and 2 p.m. performances by the band, and the students were excited about their exposure in the music-filled environment.

Western Maryland Blues Fest Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31 Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 5. o Thursday's concert, 5 p.m. at University Plaza, is free and features The Nighthawks. o Friday's lineup, in the City Central Lot off North Potomac Street in downtown Hagerstown, features Ronnie Ray, Chopteeth, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, and Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers. Tickets for Friday cost $22.50 in advance, $25 at the gate, $9.50 for ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and younger.

This is a partial list of Tri-State area nightclubs that feature entertainment and are open to the public. Private service organizations will not be included. To be included, write to After Hours, The Herald-Mail, P.O. Box 439, Hagerstown, MD 21741; call calendar editor Jean Baraclough at 301-733-5131, ext. 2300; or send e-mail to jeanb@herald-mail.com . Please have information in by Wednesday at 4 p.m. Maryland Washington County Crazy Horse Steak House and Saloon, 116 Railway Lane, Hagerstown, 301-791-2611.

Roccoco, at 20 W. Washington St. in Hagerstown, will host a fundraising brunch from 1 to 4 p.m. today to benefit efforts to help pets that were lost or misplaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The fundraiser will feature a four-course champagne brunch, silent auction and music by the Rhythm Kings. Funds will benefit Second Chance Rescue, a nonprofit shelter in Florida that is making trips to New Orleans in an effort to house some of the pets. Tickets cost $40 each.

Pete Lancaster's first impression of the blues was from the vantage point of Texas Stadium. He was attending a ZZ Top concert when Mance Lipscomb, the warmup act, appeared on stage. Lipscomb, a guitarist and singer known for his musical diversity, incorporated some blues into that day's repertoire. "It changed me forever," Lancaster said. The latest result of that change will be visible this weekend. On Saturday, April 23, a "Bout with the Blues" will be held at the North American Rod and Gun Club in Hagerstown.