It’s “Rock Universe” night Friday at Vincenzo’s on Lyons Avenue in Newhall. The show’s theme is prog, funk and folk, and the lineup includes local whiz-kid guitarist Roger Atlas.

Roger and his keyboard-playing younger brother Dennis blew us away on SCVTV’s “House Blend” a few years ago. Roger’s musical progression since then has been remarkable.

Also on the bill – local bands Progworld and Fortune Blues. Showtime is 8 p.m. and there’s no cover charge. Call Vincenzo’s at 661-259-6733 for more info.

Santa Clarita-based torch singer and YouTube superstar Sara Niemietz, who has guested on “House Blend” twice and was special guest vocalist at the Emmys’ Governor’s Ball last Sunday, has a brand-new EP out this week.

It’s her second, titled “Fountain and Vine,” and the six tracks showcase her vocal power and grace in an intimate musical setting. Sara’s released the first video from the EP, “Taxi Outside.”

She’s throwing a CD release party at Genghis Cohen’s on Fairfax in Hollywood Friday night. Snuffy Walden, her favorite guitarist, is backing her up.

And you can catch Sara live on Monday night when she fronts the band Work in Progress at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon in Tarzana. Visit her website at saraniemietz.com for all the details.

Meanwhile, you can watch a preview on Saturday night. “House Blend” will feature a special encore broadcast of Sara’s most recent show, accompanied by Snuffy Walden. That’s on SCVTV and on SCVHouseBlend.com Saturday at 10 p.m.

Santa Clarita journalist Stephen K. Peeples is a features writer and photographer for AM 1220 KHTS Radio News and the station’s award-winning website (HometownStation.com), and for SCVTV’sSCVNews.com. Peeples also hosts and co-produces SCVTV’s acclaimed“House Blend” music and interview program, and posts more entertainment news and reviews on his own site at http://www.stephenkpeeples.com.