Though she’s looking more dainty than sporty, Melanie C should win over Spice Girl fans at the MacEwan Ballroom on Thursday

Stay strong, Calgary — the gloomy weather of the last week is bound to pass. In its place will be naught but bright, sunny days and delectable musical offerings. While the likes of Andrew Bird, Jonathan Richman, Battles and Islands are tantalizingly near, this week offers plenty to tide music fans over.

Take Sudbury’s Kate Maki, for example. The Edmonton Sun describes her songs as “the kind of music you end up with a crush on,” and they couldn’t be more right — intelligent, cute and unpredictable, they’re the musical equivalent of that mousey girl you always liked in high school but never quite worked up the nerve to talk to. She’ll be joined by fellow Sudburian Nathan Lawr for a night of near-perfect folk at The Marquee Room on Thursday, May 15.

That same night, MacEwan Hall will be transformed into a tribute to the mid-’90s. The perennially underappreciated CAKE will play in the main hall, while former Spice Girl Melanie C works the ballroom upstairs. Fast Forward had a chance to chat with Ms. C about her solo career and the recent Spice Girl reunion —check it out at www.ffwdweekly.com.

The nostalgia continues well into Friday night, when Spirit of the West’s John Mann takes to the Ironwood. Mann is a Canadian folk-rock institution — anyone who denies a soft spot for “Home for a Rest” clearly hasn’t been drinking enough — and after 11 albums, he’s finally struck out on his own.

In a decidedly more modern vein, English electro-poppers Ladytron and Norwegian weirdos Datarock will both be at the Warehouse on Wednesday, May 21. Both bands specialize in robotic grooves and mechanical beats, so it’s the perfect time to get your android on.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the return of James Muretich’s Rock and Roll Circus this Sunday at Flames Central (moved from the Republik). The second annual tribute to the beloved Calgary Herald critic will feature sets by The Von Zippers, Forbidden Dimension, Matt Masters, DJ Djewel and a swack of other musos. Muretich liked nothing more than taking in a few bands and a few drinks — so getting good and sloshed is about the most appropriate tribute you could give him.