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Aside from Valentine’s Day, February is usually a month with not a lot going on in these parts. The wind chills and frigid temperatures make people apprehensive to go out. And if you’re single on February 14 then what the heck are you going to do?
But rather than avoiding the elements, it’s about time to embrace it and go see some live music. On the plus side, all the shows are taking place in warm indoor venues so it’s not like you’ll be outside all night long. To heat up your nightlife when winter is at its worst, here’s the rundown for the month.
Jon Spencer & The Hitmakers
February 1 @ Space Ballroom
295 Treadwell Street, Hamden, CT
8 p.m. All Ages
Jon Spencer was blending blues with punk rock years before Jack White did with his Blues Explosion in New York City during the early ‘90s. These days he has a new backing band featuring Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss from the Portland, Oregon indie rock act Quasi while maintaining a killer sound. This upcoming show is part of a winter tour in support of his latest album Spencer Gets It Lit with local band Perennial opening up the evening.
Big Thief
February 3 @ College Street Music Hall
238 College Street, New Haven, CT
8 p.m. All Ages
Brooklyn’s Big Thief has been one of the premier indie rock bands to come out of The Big Apple since the mid-2010s and their genuine approach to songwriting is a big reason why. The quartet of Adrianne Lenker on vocals & guitar, Buck Meek on guitar (who will also be starting off the show), Max Oleartchik on bass and James Krivchenia on drums create music that’s relatable to whoever is listening. This is why they have such a dedicated following and a substantial buzz when it comes to their sound.
Keb’ Mo’
February 14 @ Ridgefield Playhouse
80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT
7:30 p.m. All Ages
For those lovebirds looking for something to enjoy, this modern day blues legend is an ideal choice. There are few musicians like Keb’ Mo’ who are still alive and while his music can be a blast from the past, he also continues to fine tune his craft as a musician. He’s one of the most important musicians in the art form these days and seeing him perform live is always something special.
Joanne Shaw Taylor
February 17 @ UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
2132 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT
8 p.m.
On UConn’s main campus, the UConn Women’s Center will be presenting quite an experience featuring the British blues-rock phenom. Taylor topped the Billboard blues chart back in 2021 with her compilation The Blues Album and she’s performed and has shared the stage with the likes of Annie Lennox, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Foreigner, with the latter being at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. This upcoming show will be kicking off her United States tour in support of her album Nobody’s Fool that came out last year.
The Bad Plus
February 26 @ Infinity Music Hall
32 Front Street, Hartford, CT
8 p.m. 21+
The Bad Plus from Minneapolis have been at the forefront of jazz’s growth, development and innovation for over 20 years. With bassist Reid Anderson and drummer David King as the creative core, the band has had an evolving lineup with guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed currently rounding it out. Their self-titled album that came out last year is the band’s first with the current quartet so expect some songs from it being performed on stage.