Alex Cuba plays at Local 522 this Saturday, November 14

Hailing from Smithers, B.C. by way of Cuba, singer-songwriter Alex Cuba is carrying the torch for Latin music in Canada. His blend of Cuban rhythms, straight-ahead pop and subtle funk and jazz didn’t take long to find an audience — his first two solo albums won Juno Awards and there’s a good chance his most recent release will do the same. Catch him at Local 522 this Saturday, November 14.

If you’re feeling more adventurous on Saturday, head to the Beat Niq instead for Vancouver’s Inhabitants. The quartet (guitar, bass, drums and trumpet) doesn’t sound like your average jazz combo, mixing swirling discord, heavy guitar riffs that recall Ontario’s Kitchens and Bathrooms, and more introspective moments.

On the considerably more straightforward front, Canadian mainstay Matthew Good will be at the Jack Singer on Sunday, November 15, plying his usual brand of agit-folk and alt-rock. Mother Mother, the Vancouver indie-poppers with the infectious gang-vocal attack, will be opening, and both will be back at the same venue on Wednesday for a second go-round.

Tuesday, November 17 sees former Calgarian Wil return to his hometown stage with a set at The Ironwood. The singer-songwriter, who now resides on Vancouver Island, is an ace at captivating a crowd with little more than an acoustic guitar and a drummer; expect to hear some songs from his forthcoming In This Night, his first album since 2007’s By December.

Lastly, for those of you considering checking out British blues legend John Mayall at Bowness Hall on November 13 or 14, our editor in chief felt we’d be remiss not to provide a warning about the venue. She saw The Derek Trucks Band there in June, and describes the venue as a bingo hall with abysmal sound and uncomfortable seats, so… fair warning.