White Panther, Black Mambazo

Singer and satirist Roy Zimmerman will bring his Real American show to GoodFolk at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Real American is 90 minutes of Zimmerman’s funny songs and commentary of American politics. The Los Angeles Times said Zimmerman displays “a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society’s foibles.” The San Francisco Bay area songwriter has shared the stage with the likes of Bill Maher, Paul Krassner and The Pixies’ Frank Black. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Opal Fly’s is cooking this week. The new venue in downtown Fayetteville is bringing in New Orleans activist, poet, writer, musician, WWOZ radio personality and founder of the White Panther Party, John Sinclair on Saturday night. Any ’70s radical worth their salt knows John Sinclair. After all it was John and Yoko, Stevie Wonder and other big names who performed for the John Sinclair Freedom Rally in 1971, rallying for Sinclair’s release from prison on a pot charge. Coming with Sinclair is Mississippi blues man David Kimbrough Jr., son of the late Junior Kimbrough. Pope County Bootleggers will share the bill.

Sunday night Sinclair and Kimbrough will be at the New Delhi in Eureka Springs, which will make for a big night of New Orleans fun in Eureka, since bad boy rockers Dash Rip Rock will be at Chelsea’s.

On Wednesday night, Opal Fly’s will play host to festival favorites the Colorado neo-acoustic quintet Elephant Revival and their “transcendental folk.” Elephant Revival is centered by vocalist Bonnie Paine with Bridget Law (fiddle), Sage Cook (banjo, viola, mandolin), Dango Rose (bass, banjo, mandolin) and Daneil Rodriguez (guitar, banjo). Tickets are $5 and that’s a deal for this little symphony.

That same night, George’s will be hopping with the wow factor of two-time national champion banjoist, singer, songwriter and slide guitarist Tony Furtado and special guest Shannon Wurst.

At Teatro Scarpino, Fayetteville composer, singer and pianist Adele Fournet will hold a CD release party Friday night with the Unorthodox Orchestra: Matt Todd and Michael Adkins (percussion), Matt Lewis (bass) Jim Sloan (saxophone), Gary Sloan (trombone), Trey Burkett (guitar) Cassy Dominick (flute), Halley Mayo and Martin Miller (vocals). It’s rare to hear music like this in NWA, especially originating from NWA. It’s hip, urban jazz fusion at its finest. Cover is $5 or for $12, you get the show and a CD.

There’s also another CD release party Friday night. Bluesman supreme R.J. Mischo will celebrate the release of his new album, “Knowledge You Can’t Get in College” at George’s.

The Walton Arts Center is brimming with big names this week. Although the Keb’ Mo’ show is sold out, tickets are available for the tribute show “One Night of Queen” tonight and Friday night and for the Saturday night performance by the South African singing group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who created the backbone of Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album.