Like many of his hip-hop contemporaries, Rochester's own Anthony Hayward (MC Tugboat) tells hard-luck tales delivered with poise and ferocity. His solidly constructed rhymes lock together like Lego bricks. But, what truly distinguishes Tugboat is an open-hearted accessibility and an underdog spirit that you can't help but root for. After toiling away in the dark recesses of the underground for years, his moment to shine is something you won't want to miss. Tugboat headlines the bill with opening acts King 20/20, Mammoth, The Campaign, and Blumzki.

Tugboat performs Saturday, October 5, at Dubland Underground, 315 Alexander St. 6 p.m., $5-$10.