Fans of exuberant, roots-influenced rock are in for a treat on Tuesday as Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers launch their The Bear Rhymes With Woman Tour at the Blind Pig alongside co-headliners Carbon Leaf.

The "The Bear" portion of the tour comes from the title of the Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers CD that was released last week. Taking the perspective of a child as well as a middle-aged adult in writing the songs, "The Bear" is a chronological journey that Kellogg describes as "66% autobiographical." Sonically, the band's melodies and Kellogg's vocals are reminiscent of Neil Young, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.

Listen to Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Shady Esperanto & The Young Hearts (6th St. Mix)" (MP3).

Carbon Leaf, who released "Nothing Rhymes With Woman" earlier this year, are part R.E.M. and part Guster, with a Celtic tinge in the mix. The Washington Post said of the new record that "the quintet blends that upbeat energy with downhearted songs about relationships and the fairer sex."

Listen to Carbon Leaf "Miss Hollywood" (MP3).

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com or 734-623-2526, and follow her on Twitter @chrystacherrie.

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers/Carbon Leaf w/ Toby Lightman: Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. $5-8. 18+. 9:30pm. 734-996-8555.

Top photo: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers. (Credit: Megan Baker) Bottom photo: Carbon Leaf.