A mainstay of classic rock radio during the '70s and '80s, Canadian blues-rock guitar hero Pat Travers is still frequently cited as favorite influence by modern musicians heavily influenced by the six-string stylings of the era. Discovered by noted singer Ronnie Hawkins (who in the early '60s gave an early start to a group musicians who later made their name as The Band), Travers put in a few years of work as a sideman before scoring his own record deal with Polydor.

Partnered with bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling, Travers fronted a power trio that for a time featured future Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain before settling on the best-known line-up of his band with second guitarist Pat Thrall and drummer Tommy Aldridge (Black Oak Arkansas, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent and others). Bolstered by the group's growing reputation as an in-concert powerhouse, Travers started scoring hits like "Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)" and "Snortin' Whiskey" after the 1979 release of Live! Go For What You Know and the studio follow-up Crash And Burn.

While Travers would find himself struggling without a recording contract later in the '80s, he remained a solid concert draw in the clubs and has continued to tour regularly for his loyal fans. The guitar great brings the current version of his band to Oakland to play classic hits and tunes from his latest album Fidelis. LoNero opens the show.

Pat Travers Band
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 8:30 p.m. $20-$25 New Parish