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A sampler of Adrian Belew's music

Kentucky boy Adrian Belew, the “Twang Bar King,” has built a reputation as one of progressive rock’s most influential guitarists—often by making his instrument sound like anything but what it is (a guitar). Improbably discovered by Frank Zappa while playing in a cover band in Nashville, Belew then toured with the legendary musician and was soon tapped by David Bowie to play on his classic records Stage (1979) and Lodger (1980). He also played on the Talking Heads’ Brian Eno-produced Remain in Light (1980), which is widely regarded as their best album. On the first day of the tour to support that release, Belew met Robert Fripp, who asked him to join the re-formed King Crimson. The following year he played on Talking Heads spinoff project the Tom Tom Club, co-writing their dance hit “Genius of Love.” In 1982 Belew released his first solo record, Lone Rhino/Twang Bar King, and since then he’s remained extremely active as a solo performer and sideman for everyone from Bowie to King Crimson to Primus to Tori Amos to the Bears (another pet project). Opening the show is New York City-based singer-songwriter Saul Zonana, whose record 42 Days was produced by Belew himself.

Friday, August 11 at 7pm. Buffalo Icon 391 Ellicott St. (842-0167).

$24 advance; $27 at the door