Margaret Darling, co-founder of Indie/Electro Pop darlings The Seedy Seeds, takes over the Southgate House’s “Artist in Residence” series for January, performing in the venue’s intimate Juney’s Lounge for free every Wednesday this month.  

In addition to our "cover boys" this week, The Lions Rampant, three other local acts will be out in the clubs this weekend hosting release parties for their latest recording projects: Progressive/Hard Rock band Livid Friday at Silverton's Play By Play Cafe, Bluegrass trio The Tadcasters Friday at Arnold's Bar and Grill downtown and Metal band Behead the Tyrant Saturday at Harvey's in Price Hill (the old Blue Note). Come out and support local original music.  

It's a big weekend on the local music scene, as four bands hold album release parties to celebrate new work: Giant Wow (Southgate House Parlour), Sparrow Bellows (Stockyard Cafe), Tickled Pink (Sidebar) and The Minor Leagues (Mayday, formerly Gypsy Hut).  

Though known for a wide-range of musical styles, Greater Cincinnati has always had an especially strong Americana/Roots music scene. With the release of 'Nothing As It Was,' Mark Utley and his band Magnolia Mountain should instantly jump to the top of any list of the city's best Roots practitioners.