The Tin Ceiling presents a theatrical odyssey from the perilous High Seas to the mystical forests of Camelot in a singular evening of performances.

So you say you're an indie kid, eh? Well, here's your chance to prove it. Slap on your warmest holiday sweater and join us for a night of Midwest indie rock like no other.

Whether you're a dedicated fan in need of some new material, a music lover who can appreciate a well-trained craftsman, or someone who has simply never seen Bird perform live, the experience is a truly mind-altering experience.

Lead singer Dan Layus’ vocals seemed to be right on the money as the band filled the intimate hall with an overabundance of energy.

"Marriage dealt with a crumbling relationship and all of the depression, resignation, and quiet hope that consumes you in that situation. Most of the writing on Empathy is coming out of [singer/guitarist Joey Lemon's] first year of a Masters in Counseling program."

If your appreciation of Big Head Todd and the Monsters is limited to the more-than-decade-old “Sister Sweetly,” with standards “Bittersweet,” “Circle,” and “It’s Alright,” you owe it to yourself to check out this immensely energetic trio live. Todd Park Mohr, Rob Squires, and Brian Nevin consistently deliver a solid show that is jam-packed with tunes. Vocalist Hazel Miller is slated to join the band on this tour, which promises all of your favorites plus tunes from 2002’s impressive Riviera and their pre–Valentine’s Day release on Big/Sanctuary Records, Crimes of Passion. Come on out and see what makes Todd so big.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters appear at The Pageant on 1.27.07. Lisa Tebbe chatted with Big Head Todd (Minus the Monsters). Their conversation follows. (ed.)

On tour through Feb. 12

The PLAYBACK:stl/KDHX 88.1 FM Big Show: Singer-Songwriter Showcase featuring Chicago's Cameron McGill w/Noah Harris, Geoff Koch & Corey Saathoff comes to Finale in Clayton Saturday, January 13 for two shows. 

"We want it to be bigger than just a room that these people are playing in."

Suddenly, Chris Botti's on VH1, dating Katie Couric, showing up as one of People magazine's most beautiful people, and selling "Botti-Call" panties on his Web site.

"Media notoriety allows me to sell more books to a wider audience, which gives me more freedom as a writer. There is a commercial benefit to having people know you exist. But there is no social benefit whatsoever."

PLAYBACK:stl and BIGFATCAT proudly present the most highly anticipated EP release of 2007, The Bowery by the Daybreak Boys.

On tour through December 18

Reckon So Productions, Ghost Robot and Balcony Releasing are pleased to present Sara Lamm's documentary "Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox," a quirky portrait of an eccentric and philosophical soapmaker whose heirs continue to run one of the original and most successful green companies in the world.

PLAYBACK:stl presents Springfield rock trio Enamel with St. Louis' own Ashborne at Off Broadway.

If the worst thing about your band is the name, you're probably doing something right. And to be honest, it's hard to find many flaws with this Canadian Celtic fusion band.

Renowned STL indie-popsters w/NYC glam-garagesters Semi Precious Weapons (you will be changed; trust us) and awesome local shoegaze quartet dozemarypool

"Mixing judgmental politics with Christianity distorts its true meaning. We intend to unite every denomination on the spectrum."

Honeytribe appears with Gregg Allman and Friends at the Pageant, January 14. Honeytribe is fronted by Devon Allman.

The St. Louis leg of the tour features GZA, Fyre Department, and DJ Klever and comes to Blueberry Hill on December 20. The show is free and open to the public. Sorry, no one under 21 permitted. 

STOP KISS, by Diana Son, is a rare play that makes you question if you're taking anything in your life for granted.

SXSW presents their 11th annual look at music from the land of the rising sun, but you don't necessarily have to make it to Austin to join in the fun.

She probably made all the other Warped punk rockers—most of whom are easily half her age—feel like a pack of tubby, PS2-addicted lard asses (you heard me, Reggie & the Full Effect).

"Monkey and Bear," the second shortest song on the album (granted, it's 9:28), has an 860-word count and only two repeated phrases.

It's no coincidence the brand-new debut CD from STL super smooth pop-rockers John Boy's Courage is entitled The Fall Precaution...because "fall" is precisely what you're going to do when you listen to it.

John Boy's Courage CD Release Show at Lucas School House, Friday, February 23 with Remedy, Theodore, and Wydown. 

Sounding a bit like Sugarcubes without Bjork or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah on a hyper jag, the band offers very intelligent rock that keeps you swaying.

We're positively giddy to be sponsoring this one. Kevin Devine & the God Damn Band, Koufax, Pablo, and Jennifer O'Connor, all on the same bill? Woot! Our eyes will be glazed with bliss at the end of this night.

WIN TICKETS HERE 

There's still time to land
your dream date, score
that perfect dress, and buy
your tickets.

The University City Loop will host the second annual Mardi Crawl, an urban crawl.

PLAYBACK:stl Presents Margot & The Nuclear So and So's

Here is a note to anyone who may be renting a Dodge Caravan and driving all night to make it to Austin for a show: THE DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY.

PLAYBACK:stl presents a very special Valentine's Day show: a night of singer-songwriters featuring Matt Hopper and Leeroy Stagger with Geoff Koch and Seth Jarman 

WIN TICKETS HERE 

Since 1991, keyboardist Medeski, percussionist Martin, and bassist Wood have been exploring and expanding the meaning of "experimental jazz."

We've asked the hottest bands in St. Louis—and one from Omaha—to play our anniversary show. We've got iChannel on board for fun and giveaways. And we're inviting you and all of your music-loving friends to come out and party. HOW TO WIN FREE TICKETS TO THIS SHOW.

January 2:  PLAYBACK:stl presents Me and Other People, Andrew Essig, and Kevin Barry (of Orangefield)

January 16:  PLAYBACK:stl presents Troubadour Dali, Go Motion, and Ultra Blue