Dave Matthews Band
September 3-6, the Gorge
On sale February 26; fan club members can register for tickets January 28.

It’s no surprise that DMB’s 2009 release Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King has been nominated for two Grammys: best rock album and album of the year. It has renewed passion, an emotional depth that didn’t exist on the last few records. Heavier songs like grinding rock track ‘Time Bomb’ seem to reflect the loss of saxophonist and friend LeRoi Moore, who died from injuries suffered during an ATV accident in August 2008. But the lighter fare is just as rich, with ‘Shake Me Like a Monkey’ layering Matthew’s catchy hook over a blazing brass section and Boyd Tinsley’s frenetic-as-ever fiddling. Hear the (award-winning?) set at the Gorge, September 3-6; tickets go on sale to the public February 26 at 10am on Livenation.com. Need them sooner? Join the Dave Matthew’s Fan Association, Warehouse; a small annual fee ($35) allows you to request tickets in advance. —Caitlin King

ON SALE JANUARY 30

Zac Brown Band
March 21, Comcast Arena, Everett, Wa.

Admittedly, I’m not a country fan, but I know people who are, and they would kill me if I didn’t mention that these Atlanta boys are coming through Washington in a few months. The quintet—nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy—will stay far away from grunge-tastic Seattle and take its chances at Comcast Arena in Everett on March 21. Tickets ($27.75-$37.75) go on sale at 10am at the Comcast Arena website, STGPresents.org and over the phone: 866-332-8499. You probably want to buy tickets before the Grammys air on Sunday, because once the world hears “Chicken Fried,” those seats will be snatched up, y’all.

Martin Lawrence
March 12, Paramount Theatre

Before Martin Lawrence was playing an aging baby boomer in Tim Allen flicks, he was hosting Def Comedy Jam and telling jokes about female genitalia that would get him banned from SNL—for life. (If you’re wondering who else has been banned from SNL, click here. ) The comedian returns to his edgier stand-up roots at the Paramount on March 12, touring in support of his new comedy Death at a Funeral. The cast alone makes me curious: Danny Glover, Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, Luke Wilson, Zoe Saldana, Peter Dinklage. Tickets ($45.50-$75.50) go on sale at 10am at Tickets.com or by calling 877-STG-4TIX.