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

Think pyrotechnics, hell-bound bashing of heads and oh ya, a little rock and roll. So it isn't the famous group, but it is damn close my friends. Every single detail has been noted and reproduced through the "poser" band that sounds eerily similar to Johnson himself. THUNDERSTRUCK is the ultimate tribute to the rocking Ausie's, ACDC. If you were too young to really appreciate the "High Voltage" of these men then think of that drunken night at the local dive dancing to "Shook Me All Night Long"(feel better?). Funny how drinking seems to bring on the memories eh? -K.K. Tickets are $17.50 Ticketmaster or 604-739-4550 Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street Vancouver, BC

Chances are the catchy tune, "Don?t Walk Away Eileen", has caught your attention, in some way. Love or hate it, Sam Roberts has brought Canadian rock back, but in a soulful manner. The Juno Award-winner loves to keep the strings a stroking and the heads a nodding and this can be seen throughout his tour. Sammy boy took the Weezer hit and made it his own, continuing the "Island in the Sun" rhythm with added acoustic undertones. 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 so expect a range of creative flow all churned into semi upbeat tracks. Tickets are $29.50 - $34.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Orpheum Theatre, 884 Granville Street, 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

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

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

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

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

I know that Bow Wow is a man now and he doesn't need a growth-hampering prefix, but I respect Wayne's refusal to drop "Lil" from his moniker. The man has been rapping professionally since he was eleven. He shot himself in the chest - by accident - while still a teenager. If he wants to keep "Lil" until he's a geriatric, he's allowed to. -S.T. Tickets are $55-$170 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 GM Place, 800 Griffiths Way, 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

Now in its fourth year, Winterruption was designed specifically to drop-kick the Pacific Northwest winter blahs out of the city and make room for a few days of colourful distraction. With the simple goal of celebrating arts and culture in all its forms, Winterruption mixes a sweet elixir of chocolate, beer, theatre, film, art, and dance, leaving all who attend with a warm memory to fondle until the sun starts shining again. Some of the Granville Island features include international live music acts, street theatre (in parking garages), puppetry and an aerial dance. Some other fun (and very random) activities are hula hooping, painting murals, learning circus skills, watching video screenings of poetry and enjoying the winter carnival. Tickets for certain events can be found @ Ticketmaster or 604-666-5784 Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

Named after AC/DC?s popular hit and first song on the 1990 album, The Razors Edge, Thunderstruck are five musicians who recreate the classics of AC/DC. Thunderstruck is a cover band that is all about the authenticity. Look out for Angus' signature school boy outfit to make an appearance. If bands made up of older men playing classic rock are your thing, watch out because at this show Generation Who, the tribute band, is also performing. The night will truly be a tribute to the classics by classics. Tickets are $10.10 - $17.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-739-7469 Commodore Ballroom, 868 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

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

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

Here?s living proof that "Cuts Like a Knife" man still has some edge left. The Canadian singer/songwriter, whose life as a musician began back in the seventies, stole hearts in '95 with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." Whether it was the rock hit "Summer of 69" or the mildly embarrassing song of "When Your Gone"(ugh Mel. C ??) chances are you know the man's music and you know it well. Even if you don't, go to the show, listen to his romantic songs and pretend that, that dude you wish would come around---is standing before you singing "Everything I do, I do it for you." What a catch line. Hey, some of us like to dream. ?K.K. Tickets at Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Port Theatre, 125 Front Street Nanaimo, 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

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

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

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

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

Chances are the catchy tune, "Don?t Walk Away Eileen", has caught your attention, in some way. Love or hate it, Sam Roberts has brought Canadian rock back, but in a soulful manner. The Juno Award-winner loves to keep the strings a stroking and the heads a nodding and this can be seen throughout his tour. Sammy boy took the Weezer hit and made it his own, continuing the "Island in the Sun" rhythm with added acoustic undertones. 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 so expect a range of creative flow all churned into semi upbeat tracks. Tickets are $29.50 - $34.50 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Orpheum Theatre, 884 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Here?s living proof that "Cuts Like a Knife" man still has some edge left. The Canadian singer/songwriter, whose life as a musician began back in the seventies, stole hearts in '95 with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." Whether it was the rock hit "Summer of 69" or the mildly embarrassing song of "When Your Gone"(ugh Mel. C ??) chances are you know the man's music and you know it well. Even if you don't, go to the show, listen to his romantic songs and pretend that, that dude you wish would come around---is standing before you singing "Everything I do, I do it for you." What a catch line. Hey, some of us like to dream. ?K.K. Tickets at Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 Port Theatre, 125 Front Street Nanaimo, 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

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

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

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

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

Now in its fourth year, Winterruption was designed specifically to drop-kick the Pacific Northwest winter blahs out of the city and make room for a few days of colourful distraction. With the simple goal of celebrating arts and culture in all its forms, Winterruption mixes a sweet elixir of chocolate, beer, theatre, film, art, and dance, leaving all who attend with a warm memory to fondle until the sun starts shining again. Some of the Granville Island features include international live music acts, street theatre (in parking garages), puppetry and an aerial dance. Some other fun (and very random) activities are hula hooping, painting murals, learning circus skills, watching video screenings of poetry and enjoying the winter carnival. Tickets for certain events can be found @ Ticketmaster or 604-666-5784 Granville Island, Vancouver, BC

I know that Bow Wow is a man now and he doesn't need a growth-hampering prefix, but I respect Wayne's refusal to drop "Lil" from his moniker. The man has been rapping professionally since he was eleven. He shot himself in the chest - by accident - while still a teenager. If he wants to keep "Lil" until he's a geriatric, he's allowed to. -S.T. Tickets are $55-$170 @ Ticketmaster or 604-280-4444 GM Place, 800 Griffiths Way, 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

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

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