The big concert ticket of the weekend? That's easy. George Strait at Save Mart Center with Martina McBride on Friday night.

It's a long-sold-out show, from one of country music's most famed icons.

If you need a concert substitute, or you want something a little darker, then consider Cash'd Out, which plays Friday night at Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St.

As the name suggests, Cash'd Out specializes in the music of another country music icon -- Johnny Cash.

But this isn't any ol' Johnny Cash tribute band. Just look at that band promo picture at Folsom State Prison.

Among the other things that make Cash'd Out the closest thing you'll find to the real deal:

• Cindy Cash, one of Johnny's daughters, came to a show and ended up in tears. She eventually gave the band a glass locket with her father's hair in it.
• One of Cash's promoter/managers, Lou Robin, has said if he closes his eyes, the band sounds just like Johnny.
• The band is endorsed by the official Johnny Cash website, which doesn't happen every day in the tribute band world.
• Cash'd Out has played to more than one million fans since 2005, including many at a Johnny Cash birthday celebration at the Fender Museum.
• The band's repertoire includes 150 Johnny Cash songs.

Tickets for tonight's show cost $15. Details: fulton55.com, (559) 412-7400.

Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers

Another promising show this weekend at Fulton 55 comes from San Francisco's Nicki Bluhm and her band The Gramblers. The band plays soulful alt-folk that might appeal to indie rock fans. Bluhm's been called a blend of Linda Ronstadt, Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt. See for yourself at 9 p.m. Saturday. $8-$10.

A Black Key

First and foremost, Gus Seyffert plays bass in popular rock band The Black Keys, which played Save Mart Center in October. But he also fronts an on-the-rise side project called Willoughby. The band has a vintage rock sound, which you can hear Saturday night at The Cellar Door, 101 W. Main St., in Visalia. 8 p.m. $5.

Introducing: Victory Cafe

The old Hardy's Theatre in downtown Fresno is getting some new life as Victory Cafe, an all-ages music venue.

There's a big show Tuesday night with popular San Luis Obispo rock band PK, plus locals Mercy First, The Unbelievable and Underwater Track Team.

Tickets cost $8. Doors open at 7 p.m. Victory Cafe is at 944 Van Ness Ave. For future shows at Victory Cafe, visit facebook.com/VictoryCafeVenue.