Jim Byrnes is still buzzing from the World Series win by the baseball Cardinals of his native St. Louis.

The local bluesman is aiming for something of a musical home-run when he hits the stage next Friday, Nov. 18 at Surrey Arts Centre.

The husky-voiced singer/guitarist is joined again by Babe Gurr, a frequent collaborator of his, dating back to 2009. In October of that year, they played to a capacity crowd at the Bear Creek Park venue, and they're hoping for a similar turnout next week at the renovated mainstage.

Brynes and Gurr met while performing at various Shooting Stars Foundation fundraisers, for those living with AIDS - the yearly Starry Night shindig at the Stanley Theatre, for starters, and also Motown Meltdown at the Commodore Ballroom.

Gurr, the lesser known of the two musicians, released her latest album, SideDish, in September, and it's receiving some rave reviews. The music finds Gurr exploring world music fused with her own roots style - an "ethno-roots" mix of Italian, Spanish, Middle-Eastern, Brazilian and New Orleans sounds. Eight of the songs are written by Gurr, with two covers sung in Italian. "Her music promises to transport the audience and listener to another place and time," says Jodi Smith, who has worked to promote Gurr's music for many years.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. show at SAC range from $27 to $30. For info, call 604-501-5566.

SUMNER BROTHERS RETURN

The Sumner Brothers return to familiar stomping grounds Saturday night (Nov. 12) with a gig at Crescent Beach Legion.

"Kind of a neat show for us," reports Bob Sumner, on behalf of sibling Brian and the other "Brothers" of the acclaimed roots/blues band.

"It has been over a year since we have played our home base here, touring a lot - Western Canada, West Coast U.S.A. down to L.A. (We) have also made a couple trips to play out in New York."

Saturday's show has the Sumners playing with Goodbye Bones, a local cover band.

"There is a lot of significance here," Bob says.

"Three of the band members were originally in Brian's first band. They never had a name, and never performed a show, but they rehearsed five nights a week, diligently working out original material. Life got in the way and they parted ways but have always remained the best of friends. Now those fellas have formed a really great cover band called Goodbye Bones.

"This show will be one part music, one part party," Bob continues. "A lot of old friends are pretty excited to see so many old pals up on the stage." Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance (at the hall).

CROWBAR SONG 'SAVES'

Radio station The Shore 104.3 FM has announced the launch of the Music Saves III video, the third installment in the Music Saves series, in support of Vancouver Adapted Music Society (www.vams.org) and Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund (www. musictherapytrust.ca).

Music Saves is a music video series based on the Playing For Change concept. The performances were filmed and recorded live throughout various picturesque locations around Vancouver this summer, then edited together into one song and video.

In 2009, Music Saves I performed the Bob Dylan song "I Shall Be Released," followed in 2010 by a version of Dave Mason's classic "Feelin' Alright." For 2011, the musicians performd "Oh What A Feeling" by Crowbar, a Canadian band. Those involved include Jim Byrnes, Chin Injeti, Kyprios, Dan Moxon, Billy the Kid and many more. Check out the video online at www.shore104.com.

tzillich@thenownewspaper.com