Three upcoming shows at Shooters Sports Bar offer different ways to celebrate your love for live music, including two shows from bigger, out-of-town acts.

On tap Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., though, is a chance to rock out in a life-affirming way with five local bands playing to benefit someone who’s worked in the local club scene, Michael “Sumo” Sams. He was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

For $15 per person or $25 per couple, you can hear Michael DeArmond, Too Far Gone, Shelf Life, Synergistic and Hazy Jayne. Local businesses and restaurants are donating food and beer, which are available with the ticket price while supplies last.

It’s a good chance to listen to some of Texarkana’s best live bands and help someone in need. All proceeds will benefit Sams’ fight against cancer.

Next up is a bit of Ratt as Stephen Pearcy, lead singer for the raucous 1980s glam metal band, performs Tuesday at 9 p.m.

Ratt staked their claim as big players in the ‘80s glam scene with a distinctive look and such genre classics as “Round and Round” and “You’re in Love.”

Now Pearcy is out on his own with his third solo release on his own label, Top Fuel Records. The third go-round is the album “Under My Skin,” which follows “Social Intercourse” in 2002 and “Fueler” in 2006.

During the ‘90s he performed with the band Arcade as one of a few different side projects. Now in 2008 he’s still ready to rock out in a year when the band Ratt turns 25.

Then the up-and-coming country artist James Otto is up on Friday, May 23, at 9 p.m. He put out his second album, “Sunset Man” on Warner Bros./Raybaw this year, and the song getting heavy rotation is “Just Got Started Lovin’ You.”

It’s his very first No. 1 hit on the country singles charts.

A native of Washington state, Otto grew up inspired by the guitar work he heard—from Led Zeppelin to Van Halen and from Prince to Bob Seger.

After an unsuccessful run with Mercury Records for his first album, “Days of Our Lives,” the Nashville, Tenn.-based Otto regrouped and then joined Warner Bros.



(Stephen Pearcy show tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. James Otto tickets are $12 advance, $15 at the door. Info: 870-773-4903.)