This Just In: Tuesday, 2/6

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The Hold Steady: Real good kisser and not all that strict of a Christian.

Just when you thought that all the best indie bands skip over St. Louis for the bright lights of other cities, we snag a big one: The Hold Steady and the Thermals will play together at Off Broadway on Thursday, March 15. That sound you hear is a thousand local bloggers furiously updating their show calendars and attempting to work in a clever Springsteen reference. (Here's a freebie: "The Hold Steady makes St. Louis a truly Lucky Town.")

Is Andrew Bird a better violinist or a better whistler? Judge for yourself when the beloved singer-songwriter comes to the Pageant on Tuesday, April 17. Look for his new album, Armchair Apocrypha, to drop on Tuesday, March 20.

Pop wunderkind Ben Kweller will serenade the co-eds at the Gargoyle on Wednesday, February 28. Another college venue, the Billiken Club, has added to its stellar line-up: St. Louis acts Gentleman Auction House and Finn's Motel will play on Saturday, February 17. Like all Billiken Club concerts, this will be a free show.

The Silent Years will return to town to play at Cicero's on Wednesday, March 21. Click here to read what we said about them last time they came through St. Louis.

Insomniac, cure thyself as Norah Jones takes the notion of "dreamy" music to its logical conclusion at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, May 2. The wonderful but similarly calming M. Ward opens the show, which almost justifies the $50-$60 ticket price.

-Christian Schaeffer