To paraphrase David Byrne (whose concert on February 23 was staggeringly good, for the record), everything that happens, happens this Friday. We’ve got metaphorical births, deaths and everything in between.

First, the birth — the newly founded Mutual Inspiration Society of Calgary (MISC) presents a showcase of local talent at the Palomino this Friday, February 27. Featuring indie singer-songwriter Dolly Sillito, grunge revivalists Gutterawl and roots rockers Cowpuncher, with spoken-word poetry between sets (MISC is the brainchild of filling Station’s Laurie Fuhr), the event is in line with the society’s mandate to promote good music, regardless of genre boundaries.

The death, sadly, is that of local prog rockers Ahnabith Gish. After five years, they’ve called it quits (check out our article at www.ffwdweekly.com to find out why), but not before one last hurrah. Alongside Mount Analogue (featuring members of Gish and Sudden Infant Dance Syndrome) and Matt Gigg and the Intellectuals, Gish will celebrate the release of their debut full-length, Are Wakeours Leep and start tying up the band’s loose ends at The Underground.

Then there’s The Dino Martinis — Calgary’s resident lounge lizards are still going strong after 15 years, even if they don’t play in public all that often anymore. All the more reason to swing by their anniversary shows at the Rose and Crown on Friday and Saturday. Who knows how long it’ll take them to book another one?

Just because everything happens on Friday doesn’t mean nothing’s happening for the rest of the week, though. One of Canada’s most schizophrenic pop-rockers, Hawksley Workman, will perform at MacEwan Hall this Saturday, February 28. After releasing the delicate Between the Beauties and the rockin’ Los Manlicious in 2008, Workman’s show really could go in any direction. Add in his back catalogue, which includes everything from Tin Pan Alley pop to T.Rex-infused glam, and you can guarantee unpredictability.

If you’re just looking for straightforward rock, you’d do well to check out Lucie Idlout. The Iqaluit native, who opened for The White Stripes when they made their way up to Nunavut, will play at the Liberty Lounge on Wednesday, March 4. Visit the Fast Forward website for our interview with her.