Dave Alvin

It only seems like the Turf Club is too small for the sound—and audience—Dave Alvin can generate. Actually, this scruffy and resilient little bar is a great place for a songwriter who has never asked for much in the way of attention, yet who also remains a dependable source of solace or entertainment (whichever you require at the time). Alvin’s natural gift for penning tuneful and expressive songs has taken him far and wide, from his rootsy early days with the Blasters, to his stint as the guitarist for X (and his ongoing role with the Knitters, X members’ country-rock side project), to a solo career that has merged his ear for blues, folk, country, and rock with the energy, anger, and hilarity of punk. Given his gig’s proximity to Independence Day, we’re crossing our fingers for the classic X number, “4th of July.” 1601 University Ave., St. Paul; 651-647-0486; www.turfclub.com