As an artist formerly known as Hellmouth, Andrew Gray has achieved modest success while touring with the venerable folk outfit Hoots & Hellmouth. But after years of boot stomping rollicking shows with the group, Gray made the tough decision to leave the already established and much-beloved band to venture off alone to perform his own music. The end result is stripped-down acoustic acoustic that does justice to his folk background, as well as songwriting in its purest form. And when Gray opens for William Elliott Whitmore tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, it will be his biggest show to date while embarking upon the new chapter in his musical career. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill