Paul Thorn | File photo

Sidewinders Blue Ridge Concert Series continues to develop, with shows scheduled from Uncle Kracker (April 4) and the Paul Thorn Band (May 1).

Uncle Kracker, nee Matthew Shaffer, got his career start as a DJ and singer for Kid Rock. As a solo performer, he has moved further toward the country  music end of the spectrum, recording and performing with Kenny Chesney and covering Dobie Gray’s hit “Drift Away,” which is at least as popular among country fans as among rock and soul fans these days. “Follow Me” and “Smile” also found some crossover chart success, and his 2012 record, “Midnight Special,” continued that move.

Paul Thorn is no stranger to Roanoke, having played a few times at both the Coffee Pot and Kirk Avenue Music Hall. Here is some decent sounding but crappy looking video from his June 2012 show at Kirk Ave., featuring the great Bill Hinds on guitar. Here’s a concert review from a solo show in March 2009. Thorn’s live show is always strong.

Show promoter Touch The Sky Productions noted in an e-mail that the on-sale dates are to be determined for the shows at the 300-capacity venue. One they are on sale, facebook fans of Sidewinders and those who have seen previous shows in the series will get their notice a day in advance.