James McMurtry News

Singer-Songwriter James McMurtry and his band played an impressive set on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Stickyz in Little Rock .

Jonny Burke is also on the bill. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 advance and $15 at the door.

Tickets are $12 advance and $15 at the door. The first Cinco de Mayo Mississippi Festival, noon to 11 p.m. at Smith Park and Capitol and Congress streets downtown, boasts Charro Mexican Rodeo cowboys, Escaramuzas cowgirls, Mexican food, crafts and music including bluesman Bobby Rush, Mexican star Bobby Pulido, Latinismo and more.

Many times there is a huge gaping difference between great music and popular music.

WHAT: Like topical songwriter Steve Earle, alt-country singer-songwriter James McMurtry devotes most of his songs to character-driven sketches that aren't that political.