The Nighthawks | Courtesy of the band

For 40 years, harmonica man/singer Mark Wenner has put his band, The Nighthawks, through its roots rocking blues paces. In fact, Wenner says that his band was doing roots rock before there was even a name for that subgenre.

And for many of those years, the band has had Roanoke on its itinerary. Wenner and the band return to town tonight for a show at Blue 5. The free show starts at 8 p.m. See more at Top Tickets.

Asked his thoughts on looking back at 40 years, Wenner says with a chuckle, “Was I crazy?” Crazy enough to keep at it, and the band has a strong new album, “Damn Good Time,” on the Severn label.

Wenner is the only original member these days, but the lineup behind him is rock solid and greasy. Drummer/singer Mark Stutso, the newest member, played for years with original ‘Hawks’ guitarist Jimmy Thackery. We talk about all of that and more on this podcast. Streaming music — “Damn Good Time,” “Bring Your Sister,” “Minimum Wage” and ” Georgia Slop.”