MIKE ZITO Source: St. Louis Today Date: 08/2008 Writer: SP

Entertainment Highlights: Aug. 14 - Aug. 20

8:30 p.m. at Lucas School House, 1220 Allen Avenue. $8. 314-621-6565.

In the 1990s, Mike Zito played in bars all over the St. Louis area, slowly branching out to national recognition. After a few years of foundering, he moved to Texas and began to make a name for himself as a songwriter with strong blues and soul influences. Zito's latest album, "Today," showcases an artist whose husky, smoke-tinged voice is the perfect delivery vehicle for his spirited, powerful material. But as good as his own songs are, the standout track is Zito's stripped-down performance of the Prince classic "Little Red Corvette." Zito deserves a shot at some of the acclaim accorded to such singer-songwriters as John Mayer and Jack Johnson. With records like "Today," he just might get it.