Cakewalk into Davis

You wouldn’t think to put Los Lobos and Taj Mahal together on a concert bill, until you realize it’s such a terrific idea. These first-class headliners unite Friday evening as part of the Mondavi Center’s American Heritage series, to show off how rich that heritage really is. What bluesman-multiculturalist Mahal and up-from-barrio rockers Lobos have in common is trueness to their roots—Caribbean and Chicano, respectively—that infuses the music with power, clarity and contagious deep feeling. Oh, and of course they have longevity and maturity in common, too. Each act is at the top of its game and has been for decades. Los Lobos’ all-acoustic set will include folk music from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Colombia. As for what Taj Mahal and his trio have planned, who knows? But at least you won’t need no whiskey; the blues’ll make you sloppy drunk. February 16, 8 p.m.; Jackson Hall, UC Davis. Tickets cost $35 to $45 for adults or $17.50 to $22.50 for students and children. Call (530) 754-2782 or visit www.mondaviarts.org for more information.