Midtown Concerts’ summer blues series will kick off Thursday with a performance by noted guitarist Chris Cain.

Cain, a San Jose, Calif., native, was raised on stories of his father’s upbringing on Beale Street in Memphis and took in his first B.B. King concert at the age of 3. He taught himself to play guitar at age 8 and was playing professionally before he turned 18.

Cain released his debut album, ”Late Night City Blues,” to positive reviews in 1987. He released six albums over the next 15 years, including his most recent, ”Hall of Shame,” in 2003. Along the way, his jazz-influenced, blues-guitar style and strong singing voice have garnered critical acclaim.

The concert is the first of six in Midtown’s blues series, and all shows will be held at the Domino Room. Upcoming shows include Michael Burks on June 8, Bugs Henderson on June 14, Ian Siegel on June 29, Jimmy Thackery on July 6 and Janiva Magness on July 13.

The Cain concert will begin at 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12 in advance plus service charges at Ranch Records (389-6116), Boomtown (388-1800) and The Ticket Mill at The Shops at The Old Mill District (318-5457); no service charges at Wall Street Guitars (617-9080), Silver Moon Brewing (388-8331), Artscape Northwest (330-6534), Movietyme Video (382-6756) and Paulina Springs Books (549-0866); and $15 at the door.

Tickets for the entire six-show blues series are also available for $60 until Friday, May 26.

Contact: midtownconcerts.com or 388-1106.