Robert Randolph & the Family Band

If the sacred-steel movement has a visionary leader, it's Robert Randolph, a ferocious, enormously talented steel guitarist who has deftly overseen his band's transition from the House of God Church in Orange, New Jersey, to the world's premier stages. Randolph's also proved he can go head to head with guitar greats like Eric Clapton, who traded licks with Randolph on the Family Band's last album, 2006's Colorblind. Randolph's always sliced and diced considerable secular influences into his fervid gospel sound. And that was even more the case with Colorblind, which also had a guest shot from Dave Matthews, an assortment of ballads amidst the rousing rave-ups, and a thorough airing of influences from the likes of Sly, Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and even smatterings of country. Oh, and enough energy to light an entire forest of Yule bushes. 18+.
Sat., Dec. 22, 6 p.m., 2007