Hey, so something good did come out of Ottawa after all! Kathleen Edwards' folk/country tunes are often said to have alt country - I don't know what that means either. She's a real-deal singer, and if you go see her show, it's for the music, not some sort of bootylicious (no offense Beyonce) parade. - M.K. Tickets are $25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Rio Theatre, 1660 Broadway East, Vancouver, BC

The word ?album? is already starting to have an archaic cache to it. Do you know why? Because you keep stealing singles. James LaValle, the songwriter and puppet master for the brilliantly moody the Album Leaf, tires of touring quickly. Go see him while you can. -S.T. Tickets are $15.25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

The indie rock quartet sound of the Glasvegas is rock-fused and draws on doo wop and pop/rock that was popular in the 50's and 60's. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, picture sweet accents a cute chick and the Scottish charm. As for music---they can do that too. They also do a mildly entertaining quick cover of Come As You Are. Cobain is rolling over in his grave. -K.K. Tickets at 604-687-6794 Richard's on Richards, 1036 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC

Nothing beats a Saturday night like hanging out with a bunch of broken-hearted above middle-aged folks at a community centre. Jazzberry Ram, Spygirl, Attics and Cellars, The Beauties and Sarah Wheeler are playing at this benefit concert for Aunt Leah?s Thresholds Program. Aunt Leah?s is a safe place for mom?s to go who are working on building a life for their children. Helping people struggling with kids by listening to The Beatles can?t be half bad. Hopefully that what a Lonely Hearts Club Band Benefit means. Tickets are $35 @ 604-264-7267 ext. 227 Polish Community Centre, 4015 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC

The Kodo Drummers bring on a whole new meaning to the lyric : ?I don?t want to work, I just want to bang on the drum all day. I don't want to play, I just want to bang on the drum all day.? If you think a performance needs more than just drumming to make it interesting, the Kodo Drummers of Japan will change your mind. They are masters of the taiko drum, and considering that they literally bang on their drums all day, they have their live shows down to a science. A.C. Tickets are $39.75 - $65.75 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

The Canadian rock group is straight from the stampede?and the 1980's. Hit numbers like "Loving Every Minute of it" and "The Kid Is Hot Tonight" has been heard on all your parent's classic stations across the U.S. and Canada. So yes, they are old(er), were rejected from major U.S. labels in the past?and yet still they are making music, and this makes them iconic rock legends, in Canada. ?K.K. Tickets at 604-280-4444. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

The first time I ever heard Antony and the Johnson?s, I thought the CD was the weirdest shit I had ever heard and a bit annoying as well. But I couldn?t turn it off. I listened to the whole thing, and then listened to the whole thing again. The band just keeps getting better and better, albeit stranger and stranger but if you can get past the voice, and weirdness, and all that, the music is good and the talent is there. Tickets are $30.00 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

According to many environmentally friendly clothing companies out there, cotton is ruining the planet. It is one of the most environmentally unfriendly materials around and it should be banned. Bamboo is the way to go these days. It?s comfortable, it?s durable, it?s fashionable and it?s saving the ozone. You can?t do much about the last name you were born with but James Cotton is making sure that his names holds nothing on him. He?s the bamboo in the music world of blues. A.C. Tickets are $37 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville, Vancouver, BC

Man, this is a lot of money to see Zappa playing Zappa. I mean if Zappa were playing Zappa's own music, that's one thing but to see mini Zappa's playing Zappa music, that's a whole other story. They are still Zappa's in all respects but not the original. But you will never get any closer to seeing Zappa playing his own music than watching Zappa playing Zappa. Tickets are $115 - $135 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Arts Club Theatre, 585 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

Ian Tyson blasts into town to belt out some of his country hits. He was the guy who sang Four Strong Winds which was a big hit back in the day. Way, way, way back in the day. He is the real deal-he is an ex-rodeo rider and rancher and you just can't get any more country than that. A.C. Tickets are $37.50 - $44.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Red Robinson Show Theatre, Boulevard Casino, 2080 United, Coquitlam, BC

Living in a yellow submarine, it?s OK to get drunk in the morning. What else were you going to do that day? Anyone crazy enough to choose their dwelling as not only a submarine, but a yellow submarine no less, trust me, has nowhere they have to be or nothing they have to do. The Submarines and Morning Benders bring you underwater into their hazy indie pop-filled world. It?s fun. A.C. Tickets are $12 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

This scruffy lil?guy loves to get high. We?ll look the other way so long as it continues to stimulate him creatively. It?s true that many of the world?s greatest musicians put out their best work while using harder drugs such as heroin. So what?s a little weed between bands? The Stills are on the bill as well. Tickets are $29.50 - $34.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

I?m not going to sugarcoat it. I really dislike these assholes. They are one of the perpetrators of that irritatingly awful Creed/Nickleback sound. It?s shitty 90s power rock with clichéd lyrics that would qualify as bad emo if it weren?t for all the macho posturing. This music already sounds dated and lives only in the hearts of mullet-wearing truck drivers who still consider it badass. They need to grow up. ? P.B. Tickets are $32.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 B.C. Centre for Performing Arts, 777 Howe

No one is really sure where the origin of the band?s name came from. There are many stories floating around there. Anberlin was going to be the name of the lead singer Stephen Christian?s first-born daughter. Christian had wanted to visit London, Paris, Rome and Berlin- sounded like Anberlin. Christian?s grandfather saved a girl?s life in World War II and her name was Anberlin. It?s from the Radiohead song Everything in It?s Right Place-Christian said the background noise sounds like Anberlin. Finally Christian claimed that they all sit around with one another and make up stories of how the name came to be. It?s another Christian rock band with an interesting name. A.C. Tickets are $16.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Richard's on Richards, 1036 Richard's Street, Vancouver, BC

This is a concert for anyone between the ages of 6-13 and 50-65. Yep, tweens and retirees will like this one. Although if the retirees go to the concert they will probably want to kick all the crazy screaming tweens' asses for being too loud and annoying. Good luck. Tickets are $25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Bell Centre for the Performing Arts, 6250 144 Street, Surrey, BC

Cold War kids lived with a learned and soothing paranoia. That's why kids today seem like they have it too easy. Though, don't get self-righteous, CW kids. Your parents had to deal with a hot war, which is way worse and way sweatier. Conversely, Cold War Kids - the band - do have it too easy. -S.T. Tickets are $20 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

When Homer tries to lull Marge to sleep with beach sounds his gull impression jars her awake. Perhaps he should have just played Beach House's sublimely soft pop. Incidentally, falling asleep to an album doesn't have to be a bad thing; you've heard of Iceland, haven't you? -S.T. Tickets are $15.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Richard's on Richards, 1036 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC

I?ve never really heard of Katy Perry before until this year when she started to get big for her new single I Kissed a Girl. This single comes from the album called One of the Boys. Despite what you might think about Katy being a lesbian or that she would actually like to be a man, she is dating Gym Class Heroes member Travis McCoy, and she kisses no girls in the music video. Tickets are $25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St., Vancouver, BC

Monkeys love to dance. So do other higher primates, like people and apes. It's especially nice when the dance goes to them. Wichita Brit dance duo, Simian Mobile Disco bring their Chuck-kid dance stylings to Commodore. -S.T. Tickets are $23.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

Is there a stellar Casio/moog/synthesizer school in Williamsburg? With the wealth of stellar keyboard pop, post-post-punk, neo-new wave, and blip (Au Revoir Simone, Japanther, Matt and Kim, etc.) coming out of Brooklyn, one would think that e-keys are being handed out at the mouth of the bridge. Infectious and ebullient, Matt and Kim have a joyous stage show. -S.T. Tickets are $12 @ Ticketweb Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

Dionne is done saying prayers. She?s here to stay and there?s nothing you can do about it. No matter how many little prayers you say. A.C. Tickets are $59.50 - $69.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 River Rock Show Theatre, 8811 River Road, Richmond, BC

This is a concert for anyone between the ages of 6-13 and 50-65. Yep, tweens and retirees will like this one. Although if the retirees go to the concert they will probably want to kick all the crazy screaming tweens' asses for being too loud and annoying. Good luck. Tickets are $25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Bell Centre for the Performing Arts, 6250 144 Street, Surrey, BC

Ian Tyson blasts into town to belt out some of his country hits. He was the guy who sang Four Strong Winds which was a big hit back in the day. Way, way, way back in the day. He is the real deal-he is an ex-rodeo rider and rancher and you just can't get any more country than that. A.C. Tickets are $37.50 - $44.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Red Robinson Show Theatre, Boulevard Casino, 2080 United, Coquitlam, BC

No one is really sure where the origin of the band?s name came from. There are many stories floating around there. Anberlin was going to be the name of the lead singer Stephen Christian?s first-born daughter. Christian had wanted to visit London, Paris, Rome and Berlin- sounded like Anberlin. Christian?s grandfather saved a girl?s life in World War II and her name was Anberlin. It?s from the Radiohead song Everything in It?s Right Place-Christian said the background noise sounds like Anberlin. Finally Christian claimed that they all sit around with one another and make up stories of how the name came to be. It?s another Christian rock band with an interesting name. A.C. Tickets are $16.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Richard's on Richards, 1036 Richard's Street, Vancouver, BC

Is there a stellar Casio/moog/synthesizer school in Williamsburg? With the wealth of stellar keyboard pop, post-post-punk, neo-new wave, and blip (Au Revoir Simone, Japanther, Matt and Kim, etc.) coming out of Brooklyn, one would think that e-keys are being handed out at the mouth of the bridge. Infectious and ebullient, Matt and Kim have a joyous stage show. -S.T. Tickets are $12 @ Ticketweb Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

According to many environmentally friendly clothing companies out there, cotton is ruining the planet. It is one of the most environmentally unfriendly materials around and it should be banned. Bamboo is the way to go these days. It?s comfortable, it?s durable, it?s fashionable and it?s saving the ozone. You can?t do much about the last name you were born with but James Cotton is making sure that his names holds nothing on him. He?s the bamboo in the music world of blues. A.C. Tickets are $37 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville, Vancouver, BC

The indie rock quartet sound of the Glasvegas is rock-fused and draws on doo wop and pop/rock that was popular in the 50's and 60's. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, picture sweet accents a cute chick and the Scottish charm. As for music---they can do that too. They also do a mildly entertaining quick cover of Come As You Are. Cobain is rolling over in his grave. -K.K. Tickets at 604-687-6794 Richard's on Richards, 1036 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC

Cold War kids lived with a learned and soothing paranoia. That's why kids today seem like they have it too easy. Though, don't get self-righteous, CW kids. Your parents had to deal with a hot war, which is way worse and way sweatier. Conversely, Cold War Kids - the band - do have it too easy. -S.T. Tickets are $20 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

I?ve never really heard of Katy Perry before until this year when she started to get big for her new single I Kissed a Girl. This single comes from the album called One of the Boys. Despite what you might think about Katy being a lesbian or that she would actually like to be a man, she is dating Gym Class Heroes member Travis McCoy, and she kisses no girls in the music video. Tickets are $25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St., Vancouver, BC

This scruffy lil?guy loves to get high. We?ll look the other way so long as it continues to stimulate him creatively. It?s true that many of the world?s greatest musicians put out their best work while using harder drugs such as heroin. So what?s a little weed between bands? The Stills are on the bill as well. Tickets are $29.50 - $34.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

Dionne is done saying prayers. She?s here to stay and there?s nothing you can do about it. No matter how many little prayers you say. A.C. Tickets are $59.50 - $69.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 River Rock Show Theatre, 8811 River Road, Richmond, BC

Living in a yellow submarine, it?s OK to get drunk in the morning. What else were you going to do that day? Anyone crazy enough to choose their dwelling as not only a submarine, but a yellow submarine no less, trust me, has nowhere they have to be or nothing they have to do. The Submarines and Morning Benders bring you underwater into their hazy indie pop-filled world. It?s fun. A.C. Tickets are $12 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

Nothing beats a Saturday night like hanging out with a bunch of broken-hearted above middle-aged folks at a community centre. Jazzberry Ram, Spygirl, Attics and Cellars, The Beauties and Sarah Wheeler are playing at this benefit concert for Aunt Leah?s Thresholds Program. Aunt Leah?s is a safe place for mom?s to go who are working on building a life for their children. Helping people struggling with kids by listening to The Beatles can?t be half bad. Hopefully that what a Lonely Hearts Club Band Benefit means. Tickets are $35 @ 604-264-7267 ext. 227 Polish Community Centre, 4015 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC

Man, this is a lot of money to see Zappa playing Zappa. I mean if Zappa were playing Zappa's own music, that's one thing but to see mini Zappa's playing Zappa music, that's a whole other story. They are still Zappa's in all respects but not the original. But you will never get any closer to seeing Zappa playing his own music than watching Zappa playing Zappa. Tickets are $115 - $135 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Arts Club Theatre, 585 Johnston Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

The Kodo Drummers bring on a whole new meaning to the lyric : ?I don?t want to work, I just want to bang on the drum all day. I don't want to play, I just want to bang on the drum all day.? If you think a performance needs more than just drumming to make it interesting, the Kodo Drummers of Japan will change your mind. They are masters of the taiko drum, and considering that they literally bang on their drums all day, they have their live shows down to a science. A.C. Tickets are $39.75 - $65.75 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

Monkeys love to dance. So do other higher primates, like people and apes. It's especially nice when the dance goes to them. Wichita Brit dance duo, Simian Mobile Disco bring their Chuck-kid dance stylings to Commodore. -S.T. Tickets are $23.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

The Canadian rock group is straight from the stampede?and the 1980's. Hit numbers like "Loving Every Minute of it" and "The Kid Is Hot Tonight" has been heard on all your parent's classic stations across the U.S. and Canada. So yes, they are old(er), were rejected from major U.S. labels in the past?and yet still they are making music, and this makes them iconic rock legends, in Canada. ?K.K. Tickets at 604-280-4444. Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

I?m not going to sugarcoat it. I really dislike these assholes. They are one of the perpetrators of that irritatingly awful Creed/Nickleback sound. It?s shitty 90s power rock with clichéd lyrics that would qualify as bad emo if it weren?t for all the macho posturing. This music already sounds dated and lives only in the hearts of mullet-wearing truck drivers who still consider it badass. They need to grow up. ? P.B. Tickets are $32.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 B.C. Centre for Performing Arts, 777 Howe

The first time I ever heard Antony and the Johnson?s, I thought the CD was the weirdest shit I had ever heard and a bit annoying as well. But I couldn?t turn it off. I listened to the whole thing, and then listened to the whole thing again. The band just keeps getting better and better, albeit stranger and stranger but if you can get past the voice, and weirdness, and all that, the music is good and the talent is there. Tickets are $30.00 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

The word ?album? is already starting to have an archaic cache to it. Do you know why? Because you keep stealing singles. James LaValle, the songwriter and puppet master for the brilliantly moody the Album Leaf, tires of touring quickly. Go see him while you can. -S.T. Tickets are $15.25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Biltmore Cabaret, 395 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

Hey, so something good did come out of Ottawa after all! Kathleen Edwards' folk/country tunes are often said to have alt country - I don't know what that means either. She's a real-deal singer, and if you go see her show, it's for the music, not some sort of bootylicious (no offense Beyonce) parade. - M.K. Tickets are $25 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Rio Theatre, 1660 Broadway East, Vancouver, BC

When Homer tries to lull Marge to sleep with beach sounds his gull impression jars her awake. Perhaps he should have just played Beach House's sublimely soft pop. Incidentally, falling asleep to an album doesn't have to be a bad thing; you've heard of Iceland, haven't you? -S.T. Tickets are $15.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Richard's on Richards, 1036 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC