Friday, Jan. 7
Silverstein at Northern Lights in Clifton Park, N.Y., at 6 p.m. ($19.50; 16+ to enter; call 518-371-0012 for more information.) See silversteinmusic.com.
Why you should go: Although Silverstein was formed in 2000, their lineup was only complete two years later when the band got signed to Victory Records. Although they have now left this label, Victory gave them a very good start, and their second CD, "Discovering the Waterfront" (2005), even made it to the 34th spot on the Billboard 200 charts. A new album is slated for an early 2011 release, but to tide fans over Silverstein came out with an EP in early December, which featured two songs that would be on the full-length album. If you'd like to get a more complete preview of their newest work, this is the show to see!
Friday, Jan. 7
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at the HighLine Ballroom in New York City at 8 p.m. ($35; call 212-414-5994 for more information.) Visit southsidejohnny.com.
Why you should go: Southside Johnny is one of the most prominent musicians to emerge from the Jersey Shore music scene along with artists like Bruce Springsteen, and he has also long been considered the Grandfather of the "New Jersey Sound." He has been a huge influence for many musicians including Bon Jovi. Although in the 1990s Southside Johnny took a break from music, he and his band came back into the spotlight and released a live record in 1998. Since then, he's thrown himself wholeheartedly back into the business, even launching his own record label. Although he's getting a little older, he'll put on a show you won't forget, so don't miss him this week!
Saturday, Jan. 8
Edwin McCain at the HighLine Ballroom in New York City at 6:45 p.m. ($25; call 212-414-5994 for more information.)
Why you should go: Edwin McCain is best known for his major hit "I'll Be," which has since been an "American Idol" and karaoke favorite and has been included on film soundtracks, as well. Although he's often labeled as a one-hit wonder, McCain has produced a number of albums and DVDs, which include interviews, live performances and other material. Although his last CD came out in 2008 (a collection of R&B cover songs called "Nobody's Fault But Mine"), and so far no rumors have been spotted about a new one in the works, this concert will be a great one for people who like mainstream rock.
Sunday, Jan. 9
globalFEST 2011 at Webster Hall in New York City at 6 p.m. ($40.80; 16+ to enter; call 212-260-4700 for more information.) Go online to globalfest-ny.com.
Why you should go: This eclectic festival is a one-of-a-kind event showcasing up and coming figures in world music. Many different genres and nationalities will be represented this year. There will be Ballaké Sissoko and Vincent Segal, who together play a blend of African traditional music and chamber music; the Creole Choir of Cuba; Diblo Dibala, an Afropop guitarist; Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole, a traditional vocalist and dancer performing Hawaiian traditional music; Zikrayat, an Arab music and dance ensemble, which strives to highlight the diversity of Arab culture through performance; and many, many others, coming from South America, Africa, the Caribbean and India.
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Sarah McLachlan at the Beacon Theatre in New York City at 8 p.m. ($47.75-$101.50; call 212-465-6500 for more information.) See sarahmclachlan.com.
Why you should go: This Canadian songstress is best known for her very emotional ballads, and she has done quite well in selling them to the public: She has won eight Juno awards and three Grammy awards, and VH1 listed her song "Building a Mystery" as one of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 1990s. Most recently she was honored by being invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Her last album — her first album of completely new material since 2003's "Afterglow" — received very favorable reviews. If you want to see McLachlan live instead of on a television screen, you'd better get tickets now! They're a bit steeply priced, but she will make it all worth your while.
01/06/11 >> 
