his most recent New Year’s Eve was a profoundly introspective event for me. It could have even been called a crisis of sorts. A quarter-life crisis, perhaps. All the heavy questions of the world were weighing upon me: Am I stuck? Am I living up to my full potential? Am I settling for less than I deserve? Do I even want to live in this city? Am I happy? You know…the usual heavy questions. After getting bent out of shape at the pathetic answers I was coming up with and contemplating throwing myself a pity party, I decided to quit taking myself so seriously and go get drunk while listening to some great live music. It helped. A lot. After returning home, I obsessively, compulsively dug up all the great live music happening around town so that my fellow compatriots (if there are any of you out there) could have easy access to the cure for the quarter-life blues.

The first gig going on about town that simply must be mentioned first and foremost is the Feb. 17th Donna Summer concert at the Bank Atlantic Centre. Now, this woman is on fire and has been smokin’ hot since the seventies. If she can’t get your mind off your troubles, then I’m afraid you may be hopeless.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business. The ever-touring Editors are coming to the Culture Room on Jan. 8th. That would be an excellent show to chill out at. Willie Nelson is pretty chill too. Chill in a creepy kind of way. I’m still not over his weird cameo in that overly sexual Jessica Simpson music video; but, if you are, go see him strum his guitar at the Hard Rock on Jan. 13th. The Foo Fighters are heading down to the Bank Atlantic Centre on Jan. 16th. I’m not sure if fighting foo is that noble of an occupation, but I guess it’s better than fighting poo. Marilyn Manson is popping up all over the country these days scaring babies and giving conservatives heart attacks. Put on your best dress and red lips and check Manson out at the Fillmore on Jan. 20th.

Longevity is a rare thing in the entertainment business so the number of years under the Wu Tang Clan’s belt is impressive to say the least. They aren’t the most uplifting group, though, so take your anti-depressants beforehand. Speaking of longevity, The Go-Go’s have been keeping the beat for over three decades now and they won’t let anyone touch it. Experience their true talent at the Fillmore on Feb. 8th. Another oldie, Van Halen, is playing the Bank Atlantic Centre on Feb 12th. Let’s hear it for the geezers in 2008!

Angels & Airwaves are bringing their cheap boy band selves to Revolution on Feb. 5th. It will make you feel better just to go and point and laugh.

Angels & Airwaves are bringing their cheap boy band selves to Revolution on Feb. 5th. It will make you feel better just to go and point and laugh. Michael Buble is a similar storey with his cheesy crooning and his cougar groupies. He’s on at the Hard Rock on Feb. 20th.

All in all, the list is long and of quality for the coming months so pick your cocktail and get better! I’m going to need to be at all of these shows to cure my bad mood. If you feel similar, seek me out. Maybe we can start a help group, like MTA (Music Therapists Anonymous) or something.–J.T.