Cross Canadian Ragweed insist that their moniker derives from the names of the three principles — Grady Cross, Cody Canada and Randy Ragsdale — but surely it is no coincidence that the band’s name can be handily shortened to conjure up one of the most heralded of all American rock bands. CCR (the new one, not the old one) follow in the footsteps of the great tradition of Southern rock, twanging out country-inflected, power-chord-charged crossbreeds that pull from both camps while simultaneously contributing to the creation of the stylistically distinct brand of music known as “red dirt.” While their origins and influences are southern, and their first fans gathered in the borderlands between Texas and the group’s native Oklahoma, the infectious energy and diverse musical amalgam CCR have forged over the past 15 years have coupled with the undeniable power of Southern-fried rock muscle in the American zeitgeist, turning this regional specialty into a nationally recognized brand. As the band’s fan base has expanded, its focus has tightened, lending a cohesive feel and natural ease to its blend of dusty roads and rock ’n’ roll. Ha Ha Tonka opens at 8 p.m. at House of Blues (308 Euclid Ave., 216.523.2583). Tickets: $17 advance, $19 day of show. — Hall
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