Weeks starting (or ending) at Tubby Dog, as we’re well aware, can be hit or miss. But we’ll go ahead and recommend it anyways — especially with an event like Punchy as F*^k, occurring on Thursday, February 10. A collision of the literary and music worlds, it’ll showcase the writing of local scribes Andrew Mah, Angela Dillon, Anh Chu, Heather Setka and Ian Doig to the backdrop of Todd Maduke’s twangy surf soundscape. Add in Tubby Dog’s bowel-searing chili bowl, and you have something for just about everyone. Or, head to the Palomino to catch Damhnait Doyle’s newest sultry country project, The Heartbroken.

Next, catch the “prankster meets gangster” offerings of Edmonton MC The Joe — Old Ugly Recording Co.’s Joe Gurba, to those in the know — who is celebrating the release of second album, Float or Fail, at Broken City, also on February 11. Blending playful, razor-sharp humour with the quirky delivery of Def Jux’s finest, he’ll be performing old faves and new tracks alike alongside Mitchmatic, Rap-X and Black Rose.

Then, there’s the weekend. For the bitter — or simply those who enjoy their rock ’n’ roll unfettered — head to the Palomino on Saturday, February 12 for an anti-Valentine’s bash, featuring Ex-Boyfriends, the Fabulous Quickies and the uptempo breeziness of Bell Tower. Then, for quieter pastures, there’s the distinctive, prairie-inspired Canadiana of Tim Hus at the Ironwood. Or, for those seeking an infusion of caffeinated reggae, the soulful punks of Winnipeg’s Subcity Dwellers perform at The Distillery. Whew.

Things barely slow down on Sunday, February 13. For one, the pensive indie-folk of Saskatchewan’s Deep Dark Woods offers a reprieve from the week’s noisier events, playing with Edmonton’s sleepily charming Wool on Wolves at Dickens Pub. Or, for a different flavour of roots-rock, head to the Ironwood to catch Twilight Hotel. The band splits its time between Winnipeg and Austin, and it shows: Here, flourishes of true-’merican country blend with sparse, expansive prairie folk — it’s a blend that’s as stunning as it is unique.

Finally, it’s Valentine’s Day! The most metal of holidays! As if you needed that as an excuse to see Helsinki folk-metal powerhouse Finntroll, which performs with Ensiferum, Barren Earth and Rotten Sound at the Republik (on Monday, February 14. Duh). It’s the perfect spooning soundtrack.