Despite being a bit bummed that all three nights of the Cold War Kids at Columbia City Theater have sold out, there are other ways to get a live music fix this weekend.

G. Love and Special Sauce
Mar 2, Showbox at the Market, 8pm
The bluesy hip-hop band provided the soundtrack to many lazy days—a commitment to “just sitting around strummin’ guitar/wasting time.” But on their 11th album, they drop the hop and retreat to covers of time-honored blues. $25.

Vagabond Opera CD Release Party
Mar 2, The Triple Door, 7 & 10pm
Portland’s “bohemian steampunk operatic cabaret” delivers comedy, Balkan belly dancing, and gypsy-jazz odes to Marlene Dietrich—complete with an accordion solo by a man with the slickest of ’staches. $18-$28.

Grynch: Perspective Album Release
Mar 2, Neumos, doors at 8pm
Seattle hip hop is one of the strongest scenes in the city thanks to acts like Macklemore, Blue Scholars, Shabazz Palaces, THEESatisfaction, and rising star Grynch, a 21-year-old MC whose new album of party tracks drops Friday. $10, all ages.

The Lonely Forest with Seattle Rock Orchestra
Mar 3, Neptune Theatre. Special guest: Black Whales, 9pm
The Anacortes-born indie rockers play behind 2011’s Arrows, their debut on Trans Records (the label imprint of Death Cab guitarist Chris Walla); they’re backed by the city’s only orchestra that prefers Beck to Bach. $15–$17.