Friday, March 8
CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band play top-shelf zydeco at Portland House of Music (25 Temple St.) at 7 p.m. Tix: $20-$50 (21+). 805-0134. portlandhouseofmusic.com. The Mallet Brothers (Will and Luke, sans band) play an acoustic show at The Thirsty Pig (37 Exchange St., Portland) at 7 p.m. Free (all ages). 773-2469. thirstypigportland.com. And at Bayside Bowl (58 Alder St., Portland), Boston rappers Mr. Lif and Akrobatik join forces as The Perceptionists, with a backing band that features members of Dub Apocalypse. Local hip-hopper Eyenine and DJ El Shupacabra open at 8:30 p.m. Tix: $15-$20 (all ages). 791-2695. baysidebowl.com.