This weekend is packed with live music on the North Shore and a whole bunch of bands playing a wide variety of music genres, from classic rock to blues and soul, can be seen for free at rock clubs and restaurants throughout the region. 

The Great American Tavern in North Reading is hosting a benefit concert this weekend called Rock N' Roll Night for Erin.

"The show will help to raise money for Erin Dawson, who has recently been diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain cancer (the most aggressive form of brain cancer). All the proceeds will help to defray the mounting medical costs that Erin has, and will continue to have. We have an unbelievable line up of bands, which consists of Cardboard Mercenary (Andover Patch editor Brendan Lewis is a member Cardboard Mercenary), Kings of Oblivion, and good ole' Jabone! Time Of Your Life DJ's will be spinning tunes throughout the night, and we will have food and raffles. There is a $20 cover/donation at the door."

All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless specified.

Other Live Music This Weekend:

Capone's Restaurant & Bar, 147 Summit St, Peabody

Fri., Jan. 18 - Wildfire Band
Sat., Jan. 19 - Soul Mate

EJ Cabots, 282 Cabot Street, Beverly

Fri., Jan. 18 - Nick Consone
Sat., Jan. 19 - Michael Bernier

Chianti's Tuscan Restaurant & Jazz Lounge, 285 Cabot St., Beverly

Fri., Jan. 18 - Brian Thomas Group
Sat., Jan. 19 - HDRnB

Rockafellas, 231 Essex Street, Salem

Fri., Jan. 18 - The Pop Disaster
Sat., Jan. 19 - The Lisa Love Experience

Gulu-Gulu Cafe, 247 Essex St, Salem

Fri., Jan. 18 - The Found Objects
Sat., Jan. 19 - Radio Scotvoid

Howling Wolf, 76 Lafayette Street, Salem

Fri., Jan. 18 - Joe Mack
Sat., Jan. 19 - Joel LaRue Smith

The Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St., Marblehead

Fri., Jan. 18 - Michael Troy

Palmer's Restaurant & Tavern, 18 Elm St., Andover

Fri., Jan. 18 - Fixed Income Band
Sat., Jan. 19 - Sum x Four Band

Andolini's Italian Restaurant, 19 Essex St., Andover

Fri., Jan. 18 - AJ Edwards
Sat., Jan. 19 - Doug Kwartler

Great American Tavern, 303 Main Street, North Reading

Fri., Jan. 18 - Lexington St. Band
Sat., Jan. 19 - Rock N' Roll Night for Erin