Any college town will have its share of odd-ball bands – I know I’ve seen my share – but Sweet Jimmy Carter and the Outlaws with their hokey back story about the band’s formation and allusions to our 39th president could be a contender.

But despite drawing on some of the tried-and-true southern country/rock tall-tales, the Outlaws aren’t just imaginative hacks with instruments – these guys can really play. Sticking mostly to the classic rock catalogue, these guys are one of the youngest groups around that can convincingly take care of business with a Bachman-Turner Overdrive tune or use up all of a Bill Wither’s song.

The group’s catalogue also includes classics from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as well as songs from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.

But the real beauty comes in the tongue-in-cheek delivery of some of what many consider the most clichéd songs in rock history – almost as if they know they are performing really catchy songs your dad may have rocked out to in a burned out basement back in the day.

Although the Outlaws play mostly covers now, they have developed a small following over the last year, where they have been random dates around the city. And while they largely play fraternity parties and similar events, they have caught on rather quickly with the natives and have opened shows for Auburn favorites like Swamp Wompus. This Fall they will be performing alongside Rollin’ in the Hay at a game time event.

They will be performing at the War Eagle Supper Club on August 15. For more information, dates and music, check out myspace.com/sjco.