One no longer has to look to the south to find the soulful, southern fried sound of country tinged alternative rock. Minneapolis, our neighbor to the north, provides one such sound.

The Billys will be live on stage tonight at People’s Bar and Grill with special guest Wood.

Each member of this quartet contributes his own talent, lending The Billys a unique, collective sound. Once a trio called the House Clowns, bass player Andrew Christensen, guitarist/vocalist Eric Roberts and drummer/vocalist Eric Trelstad started by playing the local college party circuit in Minneapolis.

During one event, guitarist/ vocalist Scott Ehrenberg was asked to join the band on stage for a few numbers. An instant bond formed and within a week The Billys were born.

Having played with such Minneapolis greats as Soul Asylum, the Gear Daddies and Trip Shakespeare, The Billys are not the typical grunge band the city has been known to produce.

Often likened to The Black Crowes, Roberts’ solid acoustic rhythm combines with Ehrenberg’s exceptional style of slide and bluesy-country riffs for a sound like no other.

Partnership in the rhythm duties is provided by Trelstad and Christensen.

“Our sound is described as Americana style; kind of a southern country rock mix; a cross between Tom Petty and The Gear Daddies,” Trelstad said.

The show will feature songs from The Billys’ independently released EP, as well as a soon to be released LP titled All American Lounge.

“We always enjoy playing Ames, especially on a Wednesday mug night,” Trelstad said.

Wood will open the show at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 and an ID is required. For more information call 292-4501.