Hoffmann hots

The next installment of the Mark Hoffmann Jams will be from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, April 23, at the Inn Complete, Skytop Road, South Campus, at Syracuse University. Hoffmann’s jammers often include Syracuse Area Music Award winners such as guitarist Bobby Green and fiddler Hal Casey. The rhythm section sometimes features bassist Bob Purdy and drummer Chris Jones along with other musicians from the Syracuse scene. The suggested donation is $5, and “Support Local CNY Music” T-shirts will be sold. For info, dial 427-3899.

Nighthawks winging in

The Nighthawks, one of the best barrelhouse blues bands in the world, return to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que at 10 p.m. Thursday, April 28.

The rockin’ quartet includes harmonica player Mark Wenner, bassist Johnny Castle, guitarist Paul Bell and drummer Mark Stutso. At the Dino, the ‘Hawks will likely perform material from their recent discs, “American Landscape” and “Last Train to Bluesville.”

Admission is always free at the world-famous Dinosaur, located at 246 W. Willow St., at the corner of North Franklin Street, downtown; 476-4937.