Without question, New Orleans is not just one of the greatest music cities in the world, it's one of the great cities in the world, period.

Having said that, it's also understandable why many New Orleans musicians get the hell outta town during August. Y'see, New Orleans in August is where Hell calls when they need some more heat and humidity.

Enter NOLA's James Rose, an indie-folk singer-songwriter whose tunes recall Sand Snowman, Jose Gonzales and Iron & Wine. Rose is on tour that keeps him out of the Louisiana meteorological miasma and brings him to New London Friday for a show in 33 Golden. See what you think; he's got an endearing confessional quality that's quietly appealing.

Dan Blakeslee and Sweet Mercy are also on the program. 

— Rick Koster

James Rose, 9 p.m. Friday, 33 Golden, 33 Golden St., New London; $5; (860) 443-1193.