2/4: Cowboy Mouth at the Beachland

There are plenty of reasons to hate Cowboy Mouth. The band’s burly drummer sits at the front of the stage and constantly tries to rouse the crowd, saying stuff like, “Throw your hands in the air and gimme rhythm.” They write stupid songs about drunk-dialing. And they wear cowboy hats, even though they look like yuppies. But their annual Mardi Gras shows (going strong for 14 years now) are a real blast. The alt-country group is back on the road, and it brings a bit of New Orleans to the Beachland Ballroom (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124) at 8 tonight. Plus, they’ve enlisted Junior Brown, a true American treasure, to open the show. Famous for his homemade “guit-steel” guitar, Brown plays country music that even rock-and-rollers can enjoy. The guy’s deep baritone voice recalls Johnny Cash’s, and his ability to simultaneously play electric and steel guitars makes him a gearhead wonder. Tickets: $20 advance, $22 day of show. — Jeff Niesel