Rock into the year with these promising shows.

Our music calendar is quickly filling up, so we thought we’d share a few highlights before it overflows. In other news brightening our month … on Friday the 26th, Pickathon unveils the lineup for its 20th festival this summer (August 2-5). Stay tuned!

Tellers, Sleeping Lessons, Smokey Brights // January 20

This Saturday, Everett’s Tellers come to Tractor Tavern to celebrate their new album (called “Shook”). A promo email describes the sound as “sort of what you’d get if Stevie Nicks smoked a pack a day, sang with Morrissey’s cadence and fronted a heavy-ish Northwest indie rock band with a flair for the dramatic.” Saturday’s show also features Sleeping Lessons and headliners Smokey Brights.

Emily Ann Peterson // February 2

Seattle local Emily Ann Peterson celebrates the release of her book “Bare Naked Bravery: How to be Creatively Courageous” with a February 2 performance at Fremont Abbey Arts Center. Here’s a summary of this inspiring artist: “In 2013, Emily was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological hand tremor, which forever altered her two-decade livelihood as a cellist/cello teacher. Refusing to lose her life’s love of expression, she bravely defied her condition and took up songwriting. She broke through her creative glass ceiling, opening the door to limitless possibilities.”

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah // February 12

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s landmark second album “Some Loud Thunder” was reissued with exclusive bonus tracks on November 24, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its original release. For the latest tour, which comes to Tractor Tavern on February 12, they’ll perform the album in its entirety.

Langhorne Slim // February 16 + 17

Our favorite performer returns to Seattle to grace us with his presence at Fremont Abbey on February 16 and 17. Langhorne Slim—labeled a “supercharged folksinger” by NPR and having likened his own music to “country punk”—has enjoyed a long, successful career dating back to his debut EP “Electric Love Letter.” He recently released “Lost At Last Vol. 1.” Our only advice? When this crooner cruises into town, be there. 

John Craigie // March 9

A highlight musical discovery of 2017, the wildly talented and hilarious John Craigie opens at the Crocodile on March 9. He blew away Triple Door listeners in December, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store this time around, too.

Brett Dennen // March 20

When announcing his 2018 tour, singer-songwriter Brett Dennen teased the arrival of new music. “The year has disappeared, and I’m glad. Because 2018 is going to be big. Hopefully you are looking forward to it as well. Isn’t it great to start over?” he asked. “I have rocking new songs to share and haven’t toured with a band in a while, so you know I’m excited! I’ve spent most of the year writing, painting and exploring the mountains. I’m ready to play, play, play!!!” He comes to Neptune Theatre on March 20.

Also, looking way ahead, mark your calendars for the 47th Northwest Folklife Festival, taking place May 25 through 28. This year’s cultural focus, reflected in the gorgeous poster art, inspires discussion about the Mexican American and Chicana/o communities of the Northwest.