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FOLK ROCK: In the 1970s, a Canadian folk-rocker named Bruce Cockburn released almost an album a year for the entire decade. He missed 1977, but this was most likely due to a shortage of notebook paper he suffered after penning seven albums worth of material - so get off his back. My point is that this gentleman is just about as prolific as any musician currently in circulation, with an amassed archive of 22-29 albums, give or take live contributions. Have you heard of Bruce Cockburn? Maybe. You've definitely heard him. Read the full story here. Friday, April 29, 8 p.m., $35, Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.754.6670 - Rev. Adam McKinney
ALT ROCK: Sweet Water is playing Hell's Kitchen with Glimpse and Basic Radio. There'll be more hooks at this show than you'll know what to do with - but that'll be good, because complicated artistry is not your strong suit. You like it served up nice and easy - which is exactly what Sweet Water will deliver. It's what the band is built on, and it's a recipe that still works. Friday, April 29, 9 p.m., $10, Hell's Kitchen, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003 - Matt Driscoll
COUNTRY: The first time the Weekly Volcano wrote about country legend Merle Haggard coming to the Emerald Queen Casino we figured we better treat the dude with respect. He's a legend, after all - plus we feared he might keel over dead at any moment from a life full of hard, twangy, country living. Almost 10 years later, Haggard is coming back to the EQC this week. It's betting like this that typically makes us steer clear of casinos, but for Haggard (yet again) we might make an exception. Friday, April 30, 8:30 p.m., $35-$70, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma, 253.922.2000 - Michael Swan
INDIE ROCK: Seattle's Smile For Diamonds will plug in at The New Frontier Lounge with the venerable Deborah Page. Read Weekly Volcano Editor Matt Driscoll's Q&A with SFD's frontman Ryan Looman here. With The Dirty Changeup, Friday, April 30, 9 p.m., The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020 - MS