John Cowan | Courtesy Rives Theatre

SATURDAY

John Cowan Trio

With Stickley Hill

Newgrass music pioneer John Cowan is a tremendous singer and bassist who only travels with great pickers. He helps The Rives Theatre in Martinsville kick off its spring season.

Details: 8:45 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) The Rives Theatre, Martinsville. $50 (includes drinks and catered dinner); $125 for Live at the Rives Theatre season pass. 919-606-5815, rivestheatre.com, johncowan.com

SATURDAY

HopeHop

With Funk Punch

“EZ” Eddie McClain and his big-grooving musical brothers in HopeHop have reunited and are ready to rock Towers.

Details: 9:30 p.m. Growler’s American Grill and Venue. $5. 777-0007, growlers-towers.com, hopehopmusic.com, funkpunch.org

doby

This Greensboro, N.C., act now includes Marcus Horth, former guitarist for The Mantras. Hear a podcast with Horth at the music blog.

Details: 10 p.m. Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill, Roanoke. Free. 985-6278, martinsdowntown.com, reverbnation.com/doby

4th Annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball

With Lagniappe, Opening Act, Spoon Fight

Lagniappe, which means “small gift” in the Mardi Gras country of southern Louisiana, is a big musical gift to this fundraiser for Blue Mountain School. It features blues and jazz singer Kerry Hurley, Jefferson Center artistic director Dylan Locke on bass, FloydFest co-founder and band booker Kris Hodges on drums, and The Kind’s guitarist, Tom Snediker.

Details: 6:30 p.m. Floyd EcoVillage Celebration Hall, 718 Franklin Pike, Floyd. $8 advance; $10 door. bluemountainschool.net

Lots more Saturday through Wednesday listings at Top Tickets.