Welcome to another installment of What To Do In Fresno this weekend -- the special Phat Tuesday edition. We'll handle all that, plus discuss some new shows on the concert calendar.

If you need something to listen to, go to Famous and download this month's Libation podcast that I was the special guest on. Thanks to Devoya and DJ Bradley for having me.

Now, let's get started.

TODAY
The Kottonmouth Kings, whose marijuana-promoting, rocking-rap antics have gotten them banned and arrested in 15 cities, perform at the Rainbow Ballroom. [ read interview ]

Julia Dawn brings together female songwriters, poets and artists at Full Circle Brewing Co. [ read about it ] The Ragtime Festival kicks off in Oakhurst and runs through the weekend. [ read about it ]

Also ... The Jeff and Ben show performs for the happy hour crowd at Club Fred. Airplane to Nowhere, Cold War Kids and others play The Barnyard in Clovis. Gather, Pinky Swear and others rock The Belmont. The Trey Tosh Band plays the blues at Fagan's Irish Pub. And German-bred rock duo Swearing At Motorists lets off steam at Howie and Son's in Visalia.

Keep reading for more weekend fun...

Maybe Eva Scow, Dusty Brough and Jason Jurzak were just meant to play music together. You can put hundreds of miles between them, and somehow they still come together.

You might know Brough as a guitarist from the flamenco jazz band Cerro Negro, which started in Fresno and has since moved to San Diego. Both Scow and Jurzak have played with Cerro Negro. Jurzak is a songwriter and bass player who lives in Nashville, by way of Fresno. He plays in a group with Scow called All Day Radio. Scow, a Fresnan, plays mandolin and fiddle in many bands, including Lyquid Amber.

If all of this sounds confusing, that's because it kinda is. But this is a little more cut and dry: Scow, Brough and Jurzak formed a band last summer called Le String Band 5000, an acoustic band whose music varies as much as its geography.

Next week, all three members are in Fresno and have a gig planned Thursday night at Fagan's Irish Pub. Tickets cost $5.

Keep reading for an interview with Dusty Brough of Le String Band 5000 and links to check out their music.

After my Aerosmith story ran in the paper on Friday, I got a call from a reader, recounting his trips to see Aerosmith in Fresno. None of the shows impressed him. He said that Aerosmith owed Fresno a really good show.

Last night, Aerosmith came around again. This time, playing at the Save Mart Center with Lenny Kravitz.

So, how was it? Did Fresno get the Aerosmith show that one fan believes we've long-deserved? Or was it a stinker? Average? Tell us.

Can you say THREE-DAY WEEKEND?!? I'm heading out of town, but there's plenty to do for you folks here in Fresno. Here's some of the top picks...

TONIGHT
Same Shape celebrates the release of its debut CD at Starline. [ read my interview ]. Kat Jones holds a going-away concert and fundraiser tonight at Kuppajoe. [ read my column on Kat ]. El Olio Wolof and Rademacher perform at Full Circle. If you've never seen Merced's El Olio, I recommend checking them out.

Progressive rockers Variation play at The Shop. Meatball Magic is back with another night of dancing at The Red Lantern.

Keep reading for more local happenings ...

So it's getting closer to 5 p.m. It's a Thursday night. You know, Thursday is totally the new Friday. So you don't have to go home and hibernate, get out and do something.

Here's a few cool happenings for tonight:

• Are you a wordsmith? A poet? Or do you just appreciate that sorta thing? Then check out the monthly Inner Ear Poetry Jam at Full Circle Brewing Co. There's beer, words, beer, art and even more beer. 8 p.m. $3.
• Internet junkie? You wouldn't be here if you weren't down with the 'Net. So go learn some more. Web guru Tiffany Shlain speaks at Memorial Auditorium. Her talk is about using the Web for social change. See, there are productive uses for the Internet. It starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
More more on Shlain, check out Luke Deniston's interview with her at Famous.
• Want to dance? Can't blame ya. Why not strike up some heat with some hot salsa? Head down to the always-dependable Starline salsa night, for lessons, then a night of grooving. Dress nice. Scruffy clothes won't get you in. Plus, there's a lot of pretty people there, so take a bath first. Eight bucks gets you in. Classes start at 8:45 p.m.

Welcome to the first of an on-going series on the blog that will showcase bands who are making interesting strides in our local music scene. We'll ask them some questions, provide links to some of their music and help you explore some Fresno music.

We start things off with The Same Shape, a relatively new band in town -- they've only been playing together about a year -- but a band whose dedication to play live shows and eclectic rock sound has already made them a favorite around town.

They're releasing their debut album Friday night, with a release party at Starline, with Sleepover Disaster and Mynis. Cristian Mueller and Ian Blesse indulged my curiousity about the band. So without further ado, here's your introduction to The Same Shape.

Keep reading for an interview with The Same Shape and links to check out their music.

Last week at this time, Fresno City College music teacher and jazz guitarist, Andre Bush was at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the Grammys. He was nominated in the best jazz vocal album category for his work on Nnenna Freelon's album.

The album didn't win, but Bush came home, at least, with a story to tell. Here's his Grammy experience:

Whether you're under Cupid's spell today or flying solo and just wanna check out a show, there's plenty of options. Whether you're young, old, single, taken, mellow or wild, there should be something for you.

So why not get out and exercise your love (or angst)? Here's a rundown of the happenings ...

Mark O'Connor is a talent too big for a small pub, so consider this a coup: He's performing tonight at Fagan's Irish Pub. O'Connor, a well-traveled fiddle and violin virtuoso, has stellar careers in the country and classical worlds. He's bringing his band Hot Swing with him. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $40 or $30 for members of the Fresno Folklore Society.

Keep reading for more options for tonight ...

Well, Colombian rock star Juanes has come and gone. Did anybody go to his concert last night at the Save Mart Center? His live shows get so much acclaim, did he live up to the hype? Anyone care to share a review?

Now that he's gone, the Save Mart Center has added two more Latin shows to its spring calendar: the insanely popular pop.rock band RBD and a live version of the "American Idol"-like competition show, "La Academia."

Keep reading for tickets info on that show, plus some local goings-on for tonight...

Ready for the weekend? Me too. Music fans, there's lots to do. Check the day-by-day breakdown:

Today
Indie rockers Irving perform at Howie and Son's in Visalia. [ Read my interview with them ] Fresno City College hosts "Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz," a jazz and photo tribute to Langston Hughes. Spoiled plays its farewell show at Starline, with Grooveyard and Echocast.

Mofo Party Band plays at Zapp's Park. There are dueling tribute shows, with the Sex Pistols Experience at The Belmont and a Johnny Cash tribute at Club Fred.

Full Circle has the Almost Famous local showcase, while Fagan's brings local legend Roger Perry out of hiding.

Saturday
Clouded Vision brings its Sublime-ish sound to Starline. Full Circle has Americana band Richfield performing. Fagan's has bluegrass band Boys in the Wood. "America's Favorite Cowboys," Riders in the Sky, come to the Hanford Fox Theatre, and Dead Hooker Society, Ira and The Nancys hit Tokyo Garden.

Sunday
Latin rock star Juanes comes to the Save Mart Center [ Read my interview with him ]. Ray Price stops at the Hanford Fox. The English Beat's comeback tour hits Starline. Six Ounce Gloves and My Sorrow play at The Belmont.

There are more details on these and other local weekend happenings in the music roundup in today's paper. While you're perusing The Bee, also read my column today about beer school at Full Circle.

One of the things I hope to accomplish with this blog is giving people a head's up on music happening that are going on everyday. This is why you'll often see a "To-Do" list from me on here.

It might be a stand-alone post like this one, or it may just be tacked onto the bottom of another post. Either way, the goal is to keep you informed about what's going in the local scene and hopefully get you out there experiencing some new things.

Have an event to share? Post a comment or E-mail it to me.

Today's To-Do List:

• Singer/songwriter Kat Jones performs at The Belmont, along with Upset the Applecart, Winter Soldier and others. Catch Kat while you can, she's moving to Nashville soon. [Flier].
• Not music, but still cool: Brooklyn poet Suheir Hammad , who has been on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, performs at Samba's Brazilian Steakhouse, where she'll be reading poetry and singing her book, "Zaatar Diva"
• SoulFuel nightclub, on the campus of Northpointe Community Church, holds it second all-ages rock show tonight. Headlined by Los Angeles band Echocast, the show also features Fighting Jacks, Odds of Falling and last-minute replacements Vaudeville. [Flier].
• South Valley rock band Section 8 performs at Club Fred with Sacramento's West Coast Villains and Scene of Tragedy. Also, check out Section 8's recent appearance on The Jaded Visalian podcast.
• Lauren Wilson performs at cozy Full Circle Brewing Co.
• Finally, there's a new house music night at Palamino's in the Tower District.

An odd night, that's what Wednesday night's Grammy Awards were.

There were odd combinations -- Madonna and The Gorillaz, U2 and Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z and Paul McCartney, Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock, The Black Eyed Peas and a Grammy.

There were odd winners -- did anybody expect Green Day to win record of the year for "Boulevard of Broken Dreams?" What about U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" as best album?

There was an odd pace -- what's called "music's biggest night" over and over again, was more like music's most tedious and stretched out night. The three and a half hour show featured an announced 26 performances, but only about half that many awards.

Then there was that totally weird Sly and the Family Stone tribute. Seriously, Fantasia rubbing booties with Steven Tyler? Sly's mohawk?

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the Grammys or award shows in general. More than anything it seems like Hallmark holiday for the music industry, a vain chance to celebrate itself glamorously.

This year, though, I'm a little more excited than usual because a couple of my favorite artists -- Kanye West, Common and John Legend -- are up for some big awards. I'm curious how Kanye's big mouth will affect his Grammy wins. I'm also curious if John Legend will get the props he deserves. I guess we'll find out on tonight's show, which airs locally at 8 p.m. on KGPE, Channel 47, the CBS affiliate.

Here's some Grammy links to get you ready:

Finally, full details have emerged on the Black Eyed Peas' Fresno tour stop and it looks like the Warped Tour is coming back to Fresno again this year.

First on the Peas: We knew that Will.I.Am, Fergie and the crew would start the "Honda Civic Tour" on March 23 at the Save Mart Center.

Last week, we learned that The Pussycat Dolls, of "Don't Cha" fame, have been pegged as the opener and that tickets would go on sale Feb. 18.

Now we have a price: $37.50. You can buy tickets at the Save Mart Center box office or at Ticketmaster locations, including many Save Mart supermarkets, and Tower Records, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (559) 485-8497.

On the Warped Tour, a list of dates and cities on the Warped Tour homepage shows a July 11 stop in Fresno. "Venues are still being confirmed," the site says. Last year, the tour set up shop in the Save Mart Center parking lot for a very hot Fourth of July show headlined by The Offspring.

Cole Foneca's father, Alan, writes in to give an update on last Saturday's benefit concert for his son at the Visalia Fox Theatre.

Alan Fonseca says:

The Fund Raiser was a great success and was close to a sell-out. Many ate at the food court as they listened to Stan Ruffo. The concert was killer, all 5 bands were great and the crowd stayed until the very end; 1:45 a.m. The auction was awesome and well tended to by many bidders, they had fun with it.

WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO TO MEET THE AMOUNT NEEDED FOR THE UPCOMING OPERATION IN MARCH. Those who want can donate via the web site www.colefonsecabenefit.com. Also, they can mail donations to Kingdom Builders / Cole Fonseca Benefit, P.O. Box 790 Pismo Beach, CA 93448-0790.

If you missed the story, Cole, a well-known local blues guitar and harmonica player, was severely injured in an automobile accident in December. His pelvis and both legs were broken. Nerve damage has paralyzed his left arm. Money is being raised for a surgery to help him regain the use of his arm.

Campy retro rappers Argyle Pimps have debuted the video for their single "Argyle Pimpin." You can watch it at YouTube. The video was filmed a couple months back at quirky downtown thift shop Yoshi Now!

For more on the Pimps, check out their Web site or MySpace. Their next live performance is Feb. 18 at the Mainzer Theatre in Merced.

Welcome to another slow Monday. How did your weekend fare?

I checked out the Kat Jones show at Full Circle Brewing Co. and Meatball Magic at the Red Lantern on Friday night. It was a pretty good show with a nice turnout. If you've never checked out Full Circle, I highly recommend it. The place has personality.

Then on Saturday, I hit up the L-R-G skate demo in Orange Cove and the ensuing after party at Porky's. The skate demo was rad (click here for pics). There was people of all ages there. Even the mayor was there. After he was presented with an autographed skateboard, he got on the microphone and said "I love you skateboarders." How many mayors have you heard say that?

Then, on Sunday I relaxed and watched the big game, which, really, was pretty boring. My roommate even fell asleep.

What did you guys do? I heard the George Strait concert on Friday night at the Save Mart Center went really well. Anyone who was there care to give us a short review? What about the Cole Fonseca benefit concert in Visalia?

Kids of all ages, even ones barely bigger than their skateboards turned out to the L-R-G skate demo in Orange Cove on Saturday.

In last week's column, I preached the word of ArtHop, Fresno's monthly gathering of the art community. Did you listen? Did you go?

ArtHop seemed especially packed last night, so way to go, Fresno. Still not ArtHopping? Check out pictures from last night to see what you missed. [Thanks to Heather for the camera.]

Anybody else hit the Hop last night? Pictures, stories or observations to share?

Corridor 2122, where the William Raines' multi-cultural, multi-artist "Fade to Black" show was the featured work. Click the picture to go to my Flickr gallery of ArtHop pics.

I met city councilman Henry T. Perea this morning at Kern Street Coffee Company. Neither of us drink coffee, but we're both interested in the local music scene.

On the heels of the mayor's Creative Economic Council's report, -- which was released in January and talked about the importance of Fresno's arts -- Perea was especially curious about what the city could do to help Fresno's growing music scene thrive. "I just think we have a huge opportunity," Perea said. "I don't want to see it squandered."

We both agreed that Fresno, with some local bands getting signed, the Rogue Festival growing strong and the always-great ArtHop, is a city going through a creative revolution. So the question was, how can the city council help?

Word from the Save Mart Center is that tickets for the March 23 Black Eyed Peas concert will go on sale Feb. 18. An opening act has also been picked to play with the Peas on this year's Honda Civic Tour: The Pussycat Dolls.

Still no word yet on how much tickets will cost. Stay tuned for that one.

For more upcoming local events, check out Pollstar.

Whattup everybody, I'm Mike Osegueda, the music and pop culture guy you see in The Bee every Friday. Now you can catch me online on a daily basis, too. So welcome to the new blog.

I envision this place turning into a collaborative guide to what's happening in Fresno. Just like the paper, I'm gonna try to report on the goings-on in Fresno and the rest of the Valley. There's a lot we can do online. I picture a forum where people can find out what shows to go see, as well as chime in what they thought about a certain venue or band. I might ask you guys if there's a question you want to ask a band that's coming to town -- or for help with stories I'm working on.

Stay tuned, I definitely got some tricks up my sleeve.

Now that's out of the way, let's dig into this weekend. Here are some highlights: