Sick of being inundated with High Performance Rodeo coverage? Too bad, because there’s no way I’m not going to mention Philip Glass’s solo performance this Wednesday, January 21 at the Theatre Junction Grand. The price is a little steep at $69 per ticket, but the chance to see a master of modern classical composition in such an intimate venue is worth every penny. Same with his performance at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Friday, January 23, where he’ll be joined by the acclaimed Kronos Quartet to soundtrack Tod Browning’s classic Dracula. Seriously, don’t miss this.

Also at the Rodeo: local chanteuse Danielle French will debut a short film set to one of her songs, “Time to Kill,” at the Bravo!FACT screening on Sunday, January 18. If you can’t make it down, it’ll also be airing on Bravo! that same day, and then again on Friday, January 23.

There is life outside the Rodeo, though. This Friday, January 16, Edmonton psych-poppers The Whitsundays bring their sweet harmonies and good vibrations to The Gateway. Rolling Stone recently pegged them as heirs apparent to the New Pornographers’ pop-super group crown (the band features members of Shout Out Out Out Out and Faunts), and if Rolling Stone notices you, it usually means you’re on to something.

Fellow Edmontonians Red Shag Carpet haven’t reached this level of visibility, but they seem to be well on their way. The band’s shaggy grooves and sugary hooks would have fit in with the Halifax pop explosion of the ’90s, and they have just enough skronk and grit to rise above the glut of faceless pop-rockers out there these days. They also haven’t been to Calgary in pretty much forever, so their Saturday, January 17 set at The Palomino is a perfect chance to get re-acquainted.

Lastly, if you like your pop shaggy, you’re probably well aware that Sam Roberts is making his way back through town on Monday, January 19. Canadian radio rock’s leading beardo is effortlessly likable in concert, and with The Stills in tow, you’ll get the cream of the current CanCon crop at the Jubilee.