If you haven’t noticed, things are really starting to pick up around town. As I have said before, the music industry basically shuts down the last half of December and slowly comes back to life in early January. February, along with the next couple of months, will hold countless opportunities for you to get off the couch and out of the house to go see some really incredible shows.
There are a lot of items on February’s plate, so let’s take a longer than usual look at my live music picks. Here is what is coming up this month at a music venue near you…

NOW HEAR THIS
Edwin McCain with Act of Congress –Edwin McCain’s new record was released in January along with a new single that has already hit AC radio with good response. McCain has been a prominent player in the music scene for years and he continues to produce solid compositions while maintaining a healthy touring schedule of up to 200 shows a year. You know his music and you may have seen him live, but you can’t miss this opportunity to see him perform a special, intimate performance as part of the Edwin McCain Trio. As an added bonus, Birmingham’s own Act of Congress is included on the bill. You can’t ask for anything better than this on a Friday night in early February. WorkPlay Theatre – Friday, February 5

Owl City with Deas Vail & Lights – This show and the entire Owl City tour has been sold out for months. It has only taken a few years for Adam Young’s project to take the musical world by storm. The third album Ocean Eyes was released in July of 2009, and the response to that record has been overwhelming. The demand to see this band is larger than the venues that they are playing and that could be the case for some time to come. WorkPlay Soundstage – Monday, February 8

John Mayer with Michael Franti & Spearhead – Let’s get one thing straight: I am a John Mayer fan. Yes, the same John Mayer that recorded “Your Body is a Wonderland.” I’m not necessarily a fan of that song, but I am a fan of the man who was business savvy enough to put out a record full of radio hits so he could have a cushion to perform other musical genres along with the catchy pop tunes that he is famous for writing. He is one of the best guitarists of our generation (blues or otherwise), and if you have the opportunity to see him when he comes back to Birmingham this month, you’ll have the chance to witness true musical talent. Then there is Michael Franti & Spearhead—I could do an entire column on the wonderment of Franti’s music and his personal beliefs and efforts to make the world he lives in a better place. I have seen Spearhead perform numerous times, and can honestly say that there are very few other artists I would prefer to see. If you plan on making it to this show, do yourself a favor and get to your seat by the time the show starts with Michael Franti & Spearhead. You will thank me later. BJCC Arena – Tuesday, February 9

Three Dog Night – From 1969–1974, nobody had more top ten hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets. Three Dog Night continues to top the list of artists with the best Billboard Top 100 Chart average. It’s 2010 and these guys just keep going and will continue to maintain their popularity with Baby Boomers and their children for years to come. I can’t think of a better Valentine’s Day gift for mom and dad, can you? Alys Stephens Center – Friday, February 12

Henry Rollins – Henry Rollins has enjoyed a long and successful career performing music and poetry as well as appearing in numerous movies and television shows. When he appears at WorkPlay later this month, Rollins will do over two hours of spoken word (a style of performance poetry). If you do not have your tickets yet, get them now. At press time, this show was close to selling out. WorkPlay Theatre – Saturday, February 27

Eric Clapton with Roger Daltrey – Eric Clapton made a name for himself long ago starting out with the Yardbirds and then Cream, but his most critical acclaim has come through his career as a solo musician. Impressively, Clapton is the only musician to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. Hard to believe that he turns 65 just a month after this show. After years of avoiding the market, this will mark Clapton’s second performance in Birmingham in less than five years. Also appearing is Roger Daltery. Daltrey is the lead singer and the founder of The Who and they are the halftime act at the Super Bowl early this month. A legend himself, Daltrey will be performing solo hits as well as selections from his days with The Who. This double bill will undoubtedly make for a memorable evening of music. BJCC Arena – Sunday, February 28