As we get through the ides of April, U.S. income tax due day and likely a few other eventful events this weekend, the music keeps coming, as inevitable as death and taxes.

I don’t even want to talk about musicians and taxes, or about taxing musicians, but we should. George Harrison of The Beatles wrote one of his first good songs raving about the “Taxman” (with a blistering Paul McCartney guitar solo included). When Willie Nelson owed a bajillion or so to the IRS, Willie (being Willie) settled for several million less than he owed then promptly put out a record called the IRS Tapes and recouped most all his losses. Robbie Fulks wrote about his amazingly ridiculous tax audit adventures years ago on his website/ blog in his hilariously intense fashion. I guess we could say that being taxed is, indeed, very taxing.

Here are some un-taxing, relaxing shows on Friday to ease the taxation sensation. The bluegrass-y Blue G’s of stunning instrumentalists, amazing songwriters and strong vocalists do the Brewhaus at 8 p.m. Their long-awaited new CD recently reached the mix-down stage, so look for a hot-dang Blue G’s release in the next few months. Epsom, Dangerbird and Sammy and the Punk bang away at Bar None for a “Tax Day Blowout,” and they mean it. The Loops debut at the Curve Inn from 6 to 10 with bandmates Perry Zubeck, Melanie Dennison, Howard Freitag, Eric Tinsley (who’s leaving for Atlanta soon but will be replaced by Joe T.) and John Vickers. Joe Frew is the group’s very special guest. Perry says the full show debut is on May 19, but come out on Friday to get a taste of good things to come.

Congratulations to The Deep Hollow for some righteous promotion of their inaugural CD outside of the Springfield area. After a show at The Canopy Club in Champaign and a sold-out concert at the prestigious Schuba’s Tavern in Chicago last weekend, the trio of Dave Littrell, Elizabeth Eckert and Micah Walk prepare for the national and international release of The Deep Hollow CD on April 19. That’s how you do it folks; get somebody out there to help you promote on a big level, then get out there yourself and give the music live to the people. You can watch it all happen via the trio’s Facebook page, plus help the band celebrate the big release on April 29 with a concert upstairs at Arlington’s (in the old On Broadway room).

Rockin’ Johnny Burgin hits Dr. Ugs in Virginia on Sunday night (7 to 10 p.m. with a bourbon tasting earlier and BBQ meal served during the blues show) doing a three-piece band performance with Stephen Dougherty on drums and a rare appearance in central Illinois by Eddie Taylor Jr., son of legendary bluesman Eddie Taylor. Blues fans won’t want to miss this special concert.

Speaking of blues news, back on March 26, at the 30th anniversary party for the Illinois Central Blues Club, Dan Bringman received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the organization for all his good work through the years. Dan is the only person to be actively involved in the club (he has booked most of the Blue Monday gigs for the last 30 years) for the entire existence of the ICBC and is well deserving of this special award. I heard they nearly surprised the blues right out of Dan by keeping him in the dark until the presentation. Good stuff for a good guy who knows his blues and shares the knowledge as best he can.

Now all you need to do is watch out for the carpet tacks (get it, Groucho?).

Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com.