A mess of strings is set to fill the stage at North Star Bar tonight. Progressive bluegrass group HogMaw’s music is an up-tempo combination of nearly all things string. With the ability/potential to jam out their tunes with a sonic explosion that’s been described as “thundergrass,” HogMaw takes bluegrass and ups the traditional ante, carving a multitude of rootsy hills and valleys that engulf the listener in some rural bliss. The band is opening for local headliner +Church+, who will be preaching their grunge-infused folk sounds. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., $8 – $10, 9pm, 21+ – Michael Colavita
