You could go a couple of ways with a preview of the Hobart Willis & the Back Forty, Steve Howell Band, and Brown Mountain Lights triple-bill at Kings in Raleigh this Friday, Jan. 18. For one thing, it's a gathering of distinguished Triangle music-scene veterans. Howell was a co-founder of the almighty Backsliders, and Brown Mountain Lights features former Hanks and Ruin leader Jeff Hart. And you might recognize Back Forty bassist Pat McGraw--pulling double duty as the newest Brown Mountain Light--from the righteously rustic Uncrowned Nashville Kings and ace popsters The Gladhands. The show is also a meeting of the Two Dollar Pistols alumni association: Howell, Hart and McGraw are all past members of that honky-tonking outfit. However you want to package the bill, it'll be a night of top-shelf roots-leaning music ranging from hard country and bluegrass to Sweetheart of the Rodeo-style country-rock. --Rick Cornell