9/3: Brian Auger at Nighttown

Widely recognized as a pioneer in the jazz-rock and acid-jazz movements, keyboardist Brian Auger’s career began on a different track. He started performing at jazz piano bars in his native England in the early ’60s and even won a Melody Maker award for his playing in 1964. But then he discovered the organ and started dressing differently. Once he began wearing Carnaby Street clothes, he fit in more with rock crowds. After playing with guys like Sonny Boy Williamson and Jimmy Page, Auger formed Oblivion Express to further break down the boundaries between rock and jazz. He eventually disbanded the group and planned to support Eric Burdon on a tour, but that didn’t last long. Auger re-launched Oblivion Express in the mid-’90s with son Karma on drums and daughter Savannah on vocals, and has since become a favorite with jam-band fans. He makes frequent appearances in Cleveland, which has always supported him, and enjoys sharing stories from his classic-rock past. You’ll probably hear a few of them when he performs at 7 and 9 tonight and at 8 and 10 tomorrow night at Nighttown (12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Hts., 216.795.0550). Tickets: $25. — Jeff Niesel