Five Questions with Chris Simmons

***UPDATE: THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELLED*** The Alabama-based guitarist is a former member of Leon Russell’s band and a tour de force as a solo act. He’ll play Emerald Lounge on Saturday, April 13. (The Chuck Beattie Band and Big Gene & Danny Lee’s Loud Pack also perform.) In advance of that show, Simmons talks about putting down roots, surprise musical faves (Foo Fighters and Bee Gees!) and how to beat the pre-show jitters. Photo courtesy of the musician.

Five Questions with Local Natives

The L.A.-based band’s sophomore album “Hummingbird,” debuted at #12 on Billboard’s Top 200; they recently performed on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and have been selling out shows across the country. Including their Tuesday, March 19 stop at The Orange Peel. In advance of that show, vocalist/guitarist Taylor Rice took a moment to talk to Xpress about the band’s visual artwork, the intimidation factor of the second album, and where they’re looking forward to playing overseas. Photo courtesy of Local Natives.

Accidental­ly awesome: The Dex Romweber Duo

Dexter Romweber started Flat Duo Jets back in the mid-80s. The Chapel Hill band influenced the likes of Neko Case and Jack White. These days, Dex performs with his percussionist sister Sara Romweber (Let’s Active). The Dex Romweber Duo plays The Grey Eagle on Friday, Dec. 28. In advance, Dex talked to Xpress about documentary films, N.C. bands, creativity and his real feelings about drum-and-guitar duos.