As we embark upon a new year and decade, inevitably, we begin the tradition of setting and breaking resolutions. Many attempts to shake nasty habits and the hopes of establishing healthy ones are often delayed until the start of the year.

Undoubtedly in January, the local gyms and churches will be cluttered with those aspiring for greater physical and spiritual health. In fact, the measure of one’s success in a particular year is often predicated on his or her ability to maintain these resolutions and to continue to ride the momentum that usually fades after the beginning of January.

Personally, it all seems like an awful lot of pressure, which is why I don’t like the whole concept of resolutions. Instead, I find the beginning of a new year an appropriate time to reflect upon the happenings of the previous year.
While 2009 brought with it many remarkable occurrences, both locally and nationally, the year’s biggest story in music has to have been the untimely passing of quite possibly the most celebrated pop music icon ever—Michael Jackson.

We can all agree that Jackson’s personal life was a spectacle and at times, very unsettling. However, no one can argue the positive impact that Jackson made on the world of music over the last 40 years. He introduced himself to the world 45 years ago alongside his brothers in The Jackson 5 and started his astounding solo career in 1971.
His career included 13 Grammy Awards and 17 number-one singles. He was a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was in the middle of rehearsals for a 50 date concert performance at London’s 02 Arena when he suddenly passed away on June 25th, less than a month prior to the first scheduled performance of his comeback.

The media frenzy that ensued was unlike anything that I have ever seen. The magnitude of the loss was undeniable. Although his personal life was full of controversy, Jackson’s musical career changed the lives of millions. Without a doubt in my mind, the death of Michael Jackson is the single biggest story to come out of the world of music in 2009.

But now it’s a new year, a new decade and time for a new start. Let’s see what 2010 has in store for us and look at what is happening in January at a music venue near you…

NOW HEAR THIS
Trans-Siberian Orchestra—Rock Opera at its finest. When TSO rolls into Birmingham this month, they will bring with them one of the largest touring productions on the road today ($20 million plus worth). The audio and visual aspects of this show are absolutely astounding. I witnessed the TSO spectacle for the first time last year and plan on seeing them again this month. Why don’t you join me? BJCC Arena— Saturday, January 2.

Perpetual Groove—Hailing from Athens, Ga., Perpetual Groove hit the scene in 2001 and was immediately embraced by the Jamband community. Known for their incredible live performances and improvisational skills, Perpetual Groove gives their fans a different show every night creating a travelling circus of fans from city to city. This show will be no different. WorkPlay Theatre – Friday, January 8.

Los Lobos—After 35 years together, Los Lobos continues to record and tour extensively year after year. They gained mainstream notoriety in 1987 when they recorded a few Richie Valens covers for the soundtrack to the film La Bamba, including the title track which became a number one hit for the band. Their live shows continue to get rave reviews and the intimacy of the Alys Stephens Center is the perfect venue for the show. Alys Stephens Center—Friday, January 22.

Yonder Mountain String Band—Colorado-based bluegrass band, Yonder Mountain String Band is not your typical Bluegrass band. While the foursome blends rock, country and other genres of music, they have managed to brand a sound of their own while sustaining the integral foundation of traditional Bluegrass. The band was scheduled to perform in Birmingham a year ago but had to cancel due to an illness. This tour will mark their triumphant return to the southeast which is one of their strongest markets, so get your tickets fast. WorkPlay Soundstage—Sunday, January 31. •