Wednesday, October 17

Raleigh
BILLY JOE SHAVER
HIDEAWAY BBQHis heart may have broken when he lost mother, (several times over) ex-wife and son/bandmate Eddy over the course of a year. Indeed, his heart stopped onstage in Texas the following year in 2001. But Shaver recovered, and his spirit persevered. Another generation is discovering his lyrical brilliance, like the lump of coal he sought to make a diamond someday in his most famous song. Shaver caroused with Willie, Townes and Waylon, and he penned that signature outlaw country tome, Honky Tonk Hero. Beyond that, his words, music and life epitomize the straight-talking, plain-spoken country boy full of native wisdom. The cover is $15 for the 8:30 p.m. show. Chris Parker

Durham
ROBERT DRAPER
THE REGULATOR BOOKSHOPRobert Draper will be at the Regulator Bookshop tonight to discuss and sign copies of his new book, Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush. Draper, a GQ contributor and former senior editor of the Texas Monthly, has written an in-depth portrayal of Bush and his administration. Based on numerous interviews with the President and his key players, the author has strung together the unforgettable events of the past six years and the personalities that handled these crises. The event begins at 7 p.m. For more info, call 286-2700 or visit www.regbook.com. Ashley Roberts