We’re so excited about certain shows — past and future —that are reminding us just how much we’ve missed live music. We can hardly wait for Pickathon (taking place in Happy Valley, Oregon, August 4-7) to announce its lineup tomorrow morning at 10 (Update: here it is!), making its grand return after the festival’s couple-year hiatus.

Among events coming back this summer, THING — a multidisciplinary event located at Fort Worden in scenic Port Townsend — will return for its second year August 26-28. The fest has added a third day, in the wake of a sold-out 2019 event.

Last Saturday the incredibly talented Amber Mark stopped by our city during her anticipated tour supporting debut album Three Dimensions Deep. Concert goers at The Crocodile got to hear beautiful songs from the New York-based singer’s 17-track album during her sold-out performance.

On Tuesday, April 12, Jake Blount plays Tractor Tavern; the singer’s “queer perspective on the roots of American music in 2020 was a revelation, and he’s pushing harder into new territory now.” The talent, who also received the Steve Martin Banjo Prize last year, is now working on new music, and recently dropped a new single that NPR gave rave reviews. Another show grabbing our interest is duo Mattiel taking over the Tractor stage on April 14.

For something completely different, the Karaoke World Championship Venue Finals will happen Monday, May 2, at Fremont’s High Dive. The top three winners will move onto the Washington State Finals. The Moth StorySLAM returns on May 5 to Fremont Abbey, where there’s an extensive and enticing lineup of springtime music and more, including Anand Wilder performing on May 10. A founding member of the acclaimed indie group Yeasayer, Wilder released his debut solo album “I Don’t Know My Words” on March 25.

And in another piece of cultural news, TRANSlations: Seattle Trans Film Festival returns for its 17th year (May 5-8). One of two transgender film fests in the country, and one of only a few in the world, the event is dedicated to showcasing works by, for and about trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. It will be a hybrid affair this year, available online and via in-person showings, too.