When legendary underground outfit Camper Van Beethoven broke up almost 20 years ago, guitarist/singer David Lowery embarked on an unlikely second career as frontman of the decidedly more straightforward Cracker. As the band name playfully suggests, Cracker's music tends towards dry, countrified rock with no frills. Where Camper jumped out at you in so many ways, Lowery tucks his songwriting skills (and personality) into Cracker's meat-and-potatoes sound. And he happens to be quite good at it. Rare is the mall, supermarket, or bar throughout this great land of ours that hasn't been graced by the sound of Cracker's ubiquitous 1993 hit, "Low." And with Camper now back in operation, longtime fans can enjoy Cracker on its own merits, without pining for the past. Tommy Brunett and the Old 97s open the show.

Cracker

Thursday, June 18

Party In The Park, Riverside Festival Site

5:30 p.m. | Free | 428-5990