Road Trip:

Feb. 2: Three amazing concerts merge into one amazing musical masterpiece at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. For only $40, you can be a part of what Avenged Sevenfold, Buckcherry and Papa Roach are able to bring to the table with their live performances. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets. This concert will be worth the tank of gas.

Flash Forward:

In the fall of 1998 at the University of Miami, three guys got together and formed a lyrically interesting musical group they called the Gabe Dixon Band. It was a clever blend of Jeff Buckley, Jackson Browne, mixed with undertones of a young Elton John, and good ‘ole down-home ideas. The Gabe Dixon Band first grasped my attention while standing at the listening station in Homer’s.

After test driving a good portion of the Picks of the Week, I settled on this musically eclectic little band. Extraordinarily down to earth verses and summertime, back porch, iced tea idea inspiring lyrics drew me in and had my head bopping in no time.

If you are looking for some good soul sanctifying beats in this less than tropical weather, the Gabe Dixon Band is sure to deliver ideas of summer afternoons.

The Dish:

If you are in the mood for a good meal in a swank location for a moderate price, check out Judge Roy Beans Eatin and Drink in Des Moines. Located on Court Ave., Judge Roy’s specializes in seafood dishes with Italian and American influences. Dress casual, throw back an imported brew and enjoy a fine cooked meal without having to dig too deep into your pocketbook.

If something more exotic sounds tantalizing to your buds, try Olympic Flame Restaurant on Grand Ave. in Des Moines. This casual dining delight offers a variety of Greek inspired lunch and dinner entrées that are guaranteed to please your palette. However, don’t plan on paying with plastic, Olympic Flame accepts cash only.

Check It:

Feb. 17: Into Kat VonD from TLC’s “LA Ink?” Well, this might just be the next best thing. Her boyfriend, Nikki Sixx, and his trailing trio, Mick Mars, Vince Neil, and Tommy Lee, are heading back to Des Moines to blow up Wells Fargo Arena on the latest Motley Crue tour.

Tickets, available at all Dahl’s locations, range anywhere from $30 all the way up to $100. If you are dying for floor seats to this evening of madness, you are probably going to have to rely on eBay or online scalpers because these puppies are moving out fast.

March 18: You’ve watched them on MTV, the Half Time Show and all over the chart: Nickelback, Seether and Saving Able. Some of the hottest acts out there right now are going to be playing together at Wells Fargo Arena in just a few months. Plan ahead and pick up your tickets at all Dahl’s locations or the Arena Box Office for $40 to $70. It’s hard to fathom an empty seat in the house.