Concert BReak: 13 Live Acts from Now Through Valentine's Day

Welcome to Concert BReak, Beyond Robson's new, weekly concert-spotlight!

Sure, my Ticketmaster email told me that Air Supply is in town this week—but Concert BReak is filled with quality performances that may not have made the Ticketmaster almanac:

Thursday, Feb 7th

* My Shaky Jane at The Biltmore – This 4-piece rock band hails from Toronto—that's blogTO domain. If BR's sister-site interviewed the band then they must be good, right? Right!
* Todd Snider at Pat's Pub – Those who love Tennessee twang will really enjoy Todd Snider, a folk singer who is on tour all the way from Nashville.

Friday, Feb 8th

* Go Ghetto Tiger at The Railway Club – This local pop punk band has a synth-beat twist. Windows '78, Stride Elementary and Arctic are also on the bill.

Saturday, Feb 9th

* The Coup at Richard's on Richards – All the way from Oakland, Boots Riley and Pam the Funkstress forge independent hip-hop to groove to.
* The Wailin' Jenny's at The Chan Centre – This harmonious female trio from Winnipeg create acoustic folk with an authentic feel. Kelly Joe Phelps will open for this act.

Sunday, Feb 10th

* Matt Costa at The Commodore Ballroom – Matt Costa is on my list of favourite musicians. He is signed to (Jack Johnson's) Brushfire Records, and those who haven't heard his 2006 album Songs We Sing are missing out. This tour is to promote his brand new album Unfamiliar Faces, and also features Delta Spirit.

Monday, Feb 11th

* Jim Bryson at The Media Club – Ottawa's Jim Bryson is a folk-rocker who, on a good night, plays with a six-piece band. Expect Shuyler Jansen to lend some support as the opening act.
* DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist at The Commodore – Here on "The Hard Sell Tour" with (Canadian) Kid Koala, Shadow and Cut Chemist spin hip-hop from the underground.

Tuesday, Feb 12th

* Feist at Orpheum Theatre – She's the feature of Vancouver's 2010 Countdown Concert. Don't worry, I'm sure she's practiced reversing her 1,2,3,4's during rehearsals. Ron Sexsmith will also be playing.

Thursday, Feb 14th

* Clare Love at Hoko's – She make's good music and her last name is Love. *Caution: Watch for falling arrows.
*Toshi Reagon @ The Railway Club – This independant Brooklyn artist has got a versatile set of pipes. Head over to the Railway Club for an artist who can crank out folk, blues, rock and soul with ease.
* Keren Ann/Dean & Britta @ Richard's on Richards – Here's another set of NY artists. Keren Ann is sharing this bill with Dean & Britta, who are two former members of the band Luna.
* Sean Costello at The Yale Hotel – This Atlanta-Blues act is influenced by Al Green, Booker T. & the MG's, Howlin' Wolf, BB King and Otis Redding—to name a few. Those who croon their lovers to the sound of blues won't be disappointed with Costello!
*Claude VonStroke at Caprice Nightclub – If your into house and techno, you might be into San Francisco's Claude VonStroke.

Know of an act that's performing this week and deserves a place on Concert BReak? Attending one of the above shows? Use the Comments Section to share your tips and experiences!

Watch for the next Concert BReak, coming next Thursday.
If you would like to include performances in future Concert BReaks, email ami (at) beyondrobson.com for further details.

Image by Jamie Cooper (a.k.a jmeeee) from the Beyond Robson Flickr Group.

*Edit - Fixed dates...thanks Quinn and Kirsten.

*Updates
- Toronto's Hayden (acoustic singer-songwriter and alt-rocker) and Halifax's Jenn Grant will be playing at Norm Theatre on Febuary 11th and 12th.
- Edits and updates makes this a list of over 13 acts...what can you do!