Xavier Rudd and Duwayne Burnside

Xavier Rudd Wednesday at The Windjammer

Born in the small Australian town of Torquay, Xavier Rudd became familiar with the nature and culture of Australia's vast ruralism at an early age. It was an education in life that stayed with him and helped shape a music career that's almost as wide-open as the land around him.

After college, Rudd began pursuing a life in music full time, finding a niche in Canada and on the festival circuit.

The timing was right, and Rudd introduced several instruments commonly found in tribes indigenous to Australia, in particular the large wind instrument known as the didgeridoo, to an open-armed audience.

Exhausted with the overmodulated whines of emo and the pseudo-intelligent elitism of hipster rock, Rudd's earthy and upbeat style found a following among a wide fan base that has carried him to his 10th year and sixth album as a solo artist.

Rudd will perform Wednesday at The Windjammer, 1005 Ocean Blvd., with Izintaba and Good Old War. Tickets are $20 and are available only in advance online at www.the-windjammer.com. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the show at 9 p.m. Call 886-8596 or visit the website for more information.

Duwayne Burnside Saturday at Home Team BBQ

There's a hefty weight to carry when your father was a blues legend. There are comparisons, critiques and high expectations flying from all angles and very little anonymity to duck behind. It's a challenge Duwayne Burnside knows very well. His father, R.L. Burnside has a legacy that took decades to build and comes with a wide spotlight as he was at the peak of his popularity when he died in 2005.

Duwayne Burnside doesn't shy away from his pedigree, as he fully embraces the respected lineage and carries on the sticky Mississippi blues his father helped re-create.

Duwayne Burnside will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Home Team BBQ, 1205 Ashley River Road. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 225-7427 or visit www.hometeambbq.com for information.