Michael Powers, a savvy guitarist who has redefined the role of his instrument in jazz, returns to Anacortes for a show at 9 p.m. Friday, May 2 at the Rockfish Grill. Cover is $8.

An innovative and energetic blend of jazz/funk, bebop and blues has propelled him into high circles, and he has shared the stage with such notables as Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Sir Mix-A-Lot. He headlined at the Anacortes Jazz Festival and contributed tracks for Sir Mix-A-Lot’s blockbuster “Mack Daddy.”

“It’s hard to categorize my music, although it usually ends up in the Jazz record bins,” Powers said on his Web site. “If I had to put a label on it, I would call it contemporary instrumental music. It’s a sound rooted in the jazz tradition that keeps pace stylistically with pop, R&B;, and blues; with blues being at the core of my inspiration.”

Reviewer Rick Nelson of the Tacoma News Tribune said Powers’ powerful sound fills a venue.

“The talented musician sometimes seems like a one-man band. That’s because his custom-made guitar is set up to play through a synthesizer, which allows him to replicate sounds as varied as harmonica, saxophone, trumpet, steel drums and percussion,” he said.

Also Friday, Department of Safety offers an artist in resident showcase featuring Steve Kado, aka The Blankett, Metal, The Land of Milk & Honey and hometown favorites Spoonshine Duo and Karl Blau.

On Saturday Cousin Eddie brings decades of dance music to the Watertown for an early Cinco de Mayo celebration. Music starts at 9 p.m. Cousin Eddie’s set list is eclectic, with blues as well as selections from the Rolling Stones, Green Day, the Beatles and much more.

On Saturday, the Rockfish presents legendary Washington Blues Society Hall of Famers Little Bill and the Blue Notes. The band is headed by Little Bill Englehart, who had a big hit in 1959 at age 19, “I Love an Angel.” He followed that success with a long career as a crowd-pleasing blues man.

Also this week:

• Star Bar, 416-1/2 Commercial, presents Phat Friday with DJ Mardi Gras 9:30 p.m. every Friday; Fidalgo Swing, May 3. Call 293-6747.

• Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., presents Jack Hamilton, April 30; and Frankly Moanin’, May 7. Music is 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 588-1720.

• Watertown Pub, 314 Commercial Ave., has Wednesday karaoke night with DJ Steve, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 293-3587.

• Department of Safety, 1011 12th St., offers new music for all ages. Call 293-8361.

• Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., presents live music most weekends, about 9 to midnight, $3 at the door. Open Jam Thursdays with Mike Rothmeyer are 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. Call 293-2544.

• Randy’s Pier 61 presents Mr. Entertainment, Jack Hamilton, at 6 p.m. Saturdays.

• Flounder Bay Café in Skyline presents jazz with La Rosa Trio from 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays.

• Swinomish Northern Lights Casino presents Jazz Lunches 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 293-2691.

• Anacortes Eagles presents live music 7:30 to 11 p.m. first and second Fridays and Saturdays; Ray Peake plays 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Members and guests only. Call 293-3012.

• Adrift Restaurant, 510 Commercial Ave., presents Spoonshine first Tuesdays. All ages.

• Tulips Restaurant, 101 First St., La Conner has live jazz 7-10 p.m. Fridays and 6-9 p.m. Sundays: Trish Hatley and Hans Brehmer, May 2; Gail Pettis Duo, May 4. Call 466-0308.