Bonus Tracks

Spring has officially arrived and alhough we never hit a stagnant period over the winter, things are really taking off again on the local front. If you're looking for your best bests before heading out the door this weekend, read on -- and don't forget to check our events calendar section for more detailed listings to make sure you don't miss your favorite bands.

Thursday, March 29

The Joint circles back around to where it started by welcoming back the band that officially opened the venue less than two years ago: The Doobie Brothers. Check them out now and get your rock fix as the venue welcomes a string of country artists in April before getting back to its rock mantra in May. Meanwhile, the hottest club gig of the night is easily Tulsa's own The Del Toros sharing the stage with OKC's lean and mean Pretty Black Chains at The Treehouse. Cover is only $5 and the show starts at 10pm.

Friday, March 30

You won't want to miss it when Turnpike Troubadours return to Cain's Ballroom this Friday night with Dirty River Boys opening the show. The band has been blowing up in Texas and elsewhere and has a new album coming out in May, so this will be a great chance to catch up and get a preview of the new material. Also on Friday, you can take a short trip down the sidewalk to catch Klondike 5 at Soundpony or Able the Allies at Hunt Club. Elsewhere, The Fiddlebacks play Blue Rose Café and The Colony hosts Vibesystem.

Saturday, March 31

You can't overlook the FM Pilots CD release show at Hunt Club with Stephen Speaks, but if you're looking for something different, Little Joe McLerran brings the blues to The Colony and Freakjuice brings the funk (and rock -- and everything else) to Mercury Lounge.

Sunday, April 1

If you're looking for something family friendly (and no, this isn't an April Fool's joke), The Verve Pipe is at Williams Theater in the Tulsa PAC with two shows -- one at 2pm and the other at 4pm -- in support of The Family Album. It's upbeat and positive, as well as interactive, to get both kids and parents involved. That evening, Yonder Mountain String Band returns for its annual gig at Cain's Ballroom, This time with Brown Bird opening at 8pm. Finally, you can wrap up your weekend with Randy Crouch's 60th Birthday Bash at Hunt Club.