The professional name White Buffalo suits singer-songwriter Jake Smith perfectly. A big guy with a big voice and a lumberjack-like appearance, Smith emanates a feeling of Old West authenticity and a working person perspective. Born in Oregon and raised in California, Smith balances underground folk traditions with a punk rock vibe and rock ’n’ roll delivery. On his latest album, 2017’s Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights, he blends alternative rock, blues, country and folk in his most electrified release yet. Also on the bill: the Roadkill Ghost Choir.Â
INFO: 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $18/adv, $20/door. 423-1338. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16 to find out how you could win a pair of tickets to the show.