Two first-rate acts in the country/blues/string band department will hit the Old Arabi Bar this Friday night.

First up are the Hokum High Rollers, a five piece string band who call themselves “country blues from the swamps of Louisiana.”

With a diverse collection of instruments featuring the kazoo, the washboard, and the resophonic guitar, they boast a rich, jaunty sound complemented by skillful vocal harmonies.

They’ve become mainstays in the city’s burgeoning country scene, and you might recognize them from Country Nights at Mags.

The music doesn’t stop there, because next up is Miss Martha and her Goodtime Gang, a soulful six piece country band with a hard driving New Orleans swing.

Their performances–you may have seen them at the Tahyo Tavern or the St. Roch Tavern–are always compelling and showcase lead singer Martha Wood’s bluesy, powerful voice.

Between the two great bands and the venue’s cozy, down home feel, Friday promises to be night full of dancing and fun for any country music fan.

Next up for country music at the Old Arabi?

“Well, we’ve got a Hank Williams night in the works for next month,” said Dick Deluxe, the primary organizer behind the Old Arabi’s tribute nights.

Williams will be the third honoree. The first was Earl King back in December, and the second will be Lee Dorsey, with a tribute this coming Saturday.

The Old Arabi Bar is located at 6701 North Peters Street, Arabi, and is accessible by car or the 88 bus along St. Claude.