1. Tish Hinojosa
On her new LP, “Sign of Truth,” Tish Hinojosa’s roots as a Mexican-American and ’60s folk-pop fan converge in her graceful Tex-Mex accented songcraft. Friday at Old Town School of Folk Music. 773-728-6000.
2. Mark Olson
Ex-Jayhawk Mark Olson’s fine LP, “My Own Jo Ellen,” is as roots-y as it gets, right down to the quavering, clapboard harmonies of Olson and his wife, Victoria Williams. Thursday at Abbey Pub. 773-478-4408.
3. Jimmy LaFave
Jimmy LaFave’s “red dirt music” is a blend of lean rock and dignified pop fertilized with Texas C&W and heartland folk. Saturday at FitzGerald’s. 708-788-2118.
4. Willard Grant
Dark and stately as a mountain-born river, the Willard Grant Conspiracy’s roots-rock is nourished by streams of bluegrass and old-time C&W. Monday at Schubas. 773-525-2508.
5. Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire
Once so roots-y it sounded antique, Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire dips into modern electric pop/rock on its new record, “The Swimming Hour.” Saturday at Metro. 773-549-0203.
