Jackson Free Press

I first heard the Trans-Siberian Orchestra a few years ago, when one of its songs was set to strobing Christmas lights in a beer commercial (which I thought was rather cool). TSO has made several stops in Mississippi, and I can't believe that I have never gone to see them or have any of their records.

To tell the truth, I've never been properly introduced to the band and, because a Saenger Theater production of The Who's "Tommy" in 1996 was the only rock opera I had ever witnessed (and loved!), I was somewhat skeptical. I thought it would be some corporate rock band with old fogies trying to play classical music. I was wrong.

Since rock composer and lyricist Paul O'Neill formed TSO in 1996, it has sold more than eight million copies of its first five rock operas, which include "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" (1996), "The Christmas Attic" (1998) and "The Lost Christmas Eve" (2004). "Night Castle" (2009) was TSO's first double album; it debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and the Recording Industry Association of America certified it gold within eight weeks of its release.

Another gold album, "Beethoven's Last Night" (2000), was TSO's first non-holiday release. It features classic works by Beethoven and Mozart as well as several originals.

In its 15 years of performing, this band has become one of the world's top touring acts, playing to more than nine million people in cities all over the world and selling more than $334 million worth of tickets. TSO is an act that both older and younger audiences can enjoy, infusing up-and-coming new talent with well-respected music and musicians who have honed their craft for years.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform "Beethoven's Last Night" for only one tour date in Jackson on Thursday, March 8, at the Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St., 601-961-4000) before heading to the studio to focus on a new album and live concert. For tickets ($31.50 to $51.50), visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Another great band coming to the capital city is the California Guitar Trio, set to play at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave., 601-941-1432) Wednesday, March 7. The band is comprised of Paul Richards of Salt Lake City, Bert Lams of Belgium and Hideyo Moriya of Japan.

The California Guitar Trio recently celebrated 20 years of picking and grinning together. They met in England while studying with legendary King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp. After touring with Fripp's League of Crafty Guitarists, the three musicians reconnected in Los Angeles and formed the California Guitar Trio in 1991.

Astronauts used CGT's music as a wake-up call on the space shuttle Endeavor, and major news networks around the world have featured the band.

In 2010, CGT released its album "Andromeda" on Inner Knot Records. "Andromeda" features such musical greats as Tony Levin, Julie Slick, Eric Slick, Tom Griesgraber and Tyler Trotter. The band has had the distinct honor of playing with acts such as Leftover Salmon, King Crimson, Tito Puente and Taj Mahal.

The trio released its latest album, "Masterworks," in 2011. CGT's blend of European classical music, bluegrass, rock, blues, jazz and surf rock (just to scratch the surface) has made it one of the music industry's best-kept secrets. Tickets are $15 and are available at ticketmaster.com or can be purchased for $20 at the door.

Both of these shows are must-sees, as is all the awesome local music our city has to offer. Please clear your calendars, and make it a point to hear great music this week. You have plenty to choose from.

Have a good one, and if you see me out and about, please say hello!