Despite the efforts of a dedicated core of fans and musicians, Calgary has never really been known for its soul scene. Local singer Sonal is hoping to change that, though, with her CD release this Friday, January 29 at the Ironwood. Her new EP, Lovely Day, is every bit as upbeat as its title implies, with her crack band working its way through the pop and R&B spectrum. But Sonal’s sweet, sweet harmonies are what really hit you — it’ll be interesting to see how she pulls it off live. The CD release is also a fundraiser for relief in Haiti, so you really can’t go wrong.

Also on Friday, there’ll be a perfect storm of rockabilly at The Marquee room when Hurricane Felix and the Southern Twisters, Eve Hell and the Razors and the Smokin’ 45s take to the stage. Granted, only one of those bands fits the whole meteorological metaphor, but if this doesn’t constitute a night to break out the pompadours and leather jackets, nothing does.

Back to the soulful side of things, hip hop duo Eyedea and Abilities (part of the Rhymesayers crew, which has included the likes of MF DOOM, Brother Ali and Slug from Atmosphere) will be at Republik on Tuesday, February 2. The pair will be joined by drummer and electronic artist Dosh, whose work both solo and with violinist-par-excellence Andrew Bird is nothing short of phenomenal. This is definitely one you don’t want to miss.

On a considerably more aggressive note, Tuesday also sees the Tyrants of Evil tour hit the MacEwan Hall Ballroom — don’t you just love metal tour names? The lineup features heavyweights Mutiny Within, Exodus, Arsis and headliners Arch Enemy — be sure to check out our interview with Arch Enemy singer Angela Gossow at ffwdweekly.com.

And, speaking of online content, be sure to also check out our interview with Calgary’s Pine Tarts, who’ll be releasing a beautiful slab of blue vinyl at Broken City on Thursday, February 4. Sharing a bill with the feisty garage rockers, it’s Lethbridge science punks Myelin Sheaths, rock ’n’ roll sexpots Miesha and the Spanks and the suitably twisted Psychic Alliance.