Free live music provides budget-minded alternative

When he’s not touring with the Lefty Williams Band, its namesake plays host at this popular open jam. Williams, a blues-based guitarslinger who does more with his left hand than many ax men do with two, said he originally designed the event as a networking opportunity for local touring musicians. However, Williams said, all players are welcome. “We all fall on our faces, and we have a good time.” Williams puts together a house band each week, and various musicians filter in and out throughout the evening. You might see luminaries such as drummers Yonrico Scott (the Derek Trucks Band) and Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit), guitarist Barry Zion (the Jagged Stones), and lap steel wizard A.J. Ghent (Col. Bruce Hampton and Pharaoh’s Kitchen). Most nights are typical open jams, with guests suggesting the songs. Periodically, Williams will announce an upcoming theme night based around a particular artist, be it the Beatles, Black Sabbath, the Grateful Dead or others. Those who want to participate in a theme night contact Williams and are placed in a specific set and are required to learn certain songs. But the collaborating musicians don’t meet each other until showtime. Sometimes as many as 200 to 300 guests converge to watch the action, which runs until midnight.

8:30 p.m. Mondays. Free. Bella’s Pizzeria, 3599 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. 770-437-8056, www.bellaspizzeria.com.

WESTSIDE

Northside Tavern

Blues aficionados get their collective mojo working at this beer-stained haven, which features on-the-house music Sundays through Thursdays. Tech students clink bottles alongside grizzled local music lovers. Uncle Sugar sets up shop Sunday nights, playing classic R&B, blues, country blues and related genres. It’s an opportunity to get an earful of legendary pianist and former Ink Spot Eddie Tigner. Vocalists and players looking to hone their chops can sit in at the Monday Night Northside Jam, an open mic experience for all comers. Guitarist Nathan Nelson holds down the fort Tuesdays. Northside Tavern’s high priest of the blues, Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck, takes the stage Wednesdays. Thursdays, the Breeze Kings, drawing from both Chicago and Delta blues, prep revelers for the weekend.

9 p.m. Sundays; 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Free. Northside Tavern, 1058 Howell Mill Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-874-8745, www.northsidetavern.com.

NORCOSS

Adam Komesar at Mambo Italiano

Don’t call him an impersonator. But Adam Komesar happily tips his fedora to Frank Sinatra with a tribute show he dubs “Frankly Sinatra.” Komesar and his silky pipes glide through the Great American Songbook. He’ll fly you to the moon with classics such as “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Witchcraft,” “All of Me” and oodles more. Komesar doesn’t simply go through the vocal motions; he is known to weave in behind-the-scenes stories about the songs he croons. It all takes place in an appropriate setting, where the kitchen staff slides wood-fired pizza out of the oven and guests shovel ample mounds of pasta.

6:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Free. Mambo Italiano, 5165 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 210, Norcross. 770-441-3200, www.mamboitaliano.net.

CONLEY

The Pot Belly Romeos at Southern Comfort

Imagine a honky-tonk stuck in the late ’70s heyday of outlaw country. With its rustic, good ol’ boy charm, the place looks like a scene straight out of “Smokey and the Bandit.” Truckers and hipsters mingle on live music nights as the Pot Belly Romeos take the stage. No tears in the beers here. It’s a raucous good time as the band, led by guitarist Jimmy Amerson, rambles its way through decades of country classics. Amerson and his crop of seasoned bandmates are always loaded up with countless tunes. Those looking to channel their inner Johnny Cash are encouraged to step up to the microphone Wednesdays and Thursdays.

8:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Free. $3 for men Fridays and Saturdays. Southern Comfort, 1383 Cedar Grove Road, Conley. 404-361-5675.