Waxahatchee Mango's, April 4
Right now acoustic folk is a sleeping giant within the music industry, but Katie Crutchfield (who works under the stage name Waxahatchee) is one name to have on your radar. If you're a fan of acts like Screaming Females, Hop Along and Laura Stevenson, you'll likely find something to like here. ALYSSA DUPREE
Chromeo House of Blues, April 6
Many Houstonians were introduced to Chromeo when the '80s-inspired dance duo shook all the sweat out of the main-stage crowd at FPSF 2011. The Canadians' overdue return to Houston is a welcome one, assuming you like vocoders, heavy bass, Hall & Oates and boogieing your ass off. JIM BRICKER
Arcade Fire Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, April 9
Arcade Fire are a polarizing band; either you love them or think they're hipster trash. But they're also the type of band whose live presence and sheer talent can change people's minds. Touring in support of 2013's double-length Reflektor, the Grammy-winning group has requested that concertgoers show up looking sharp unless they dress in costume. Either way, wear your dancing shoes. ALYSSA DUPREE
The Goddamn Gallows, Come See My Dead Person Walters, April 10
Hobocore kings The Goddamn Gallows have a member named Fishgutzzz and one named Baby Genius, and are arguably best-known for the little ditty "Ya'll Motherfuckers Need Jesus." They may have a folk vibe, but are sure to have one of Walters' wildest -- and possibly smelliest -- mosh pits in recent memory, since all the crust kids will be there. Additionally, the soulful siblings of Come See My Dead Person will be playing, which is always a good thing. JESSE SENDEJAS JR
Third Annual Mills McCoin Rock N' Roll Circus April 12, The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
From a strictly musical standpoint, this show will feature some of Houston's hotter acts you may not have heard yet (The New Mercies), and veterans such as headliner B L A C K I E. But the atmosphere alone should be enough to convince you to go. Ringleader Mills McCoin will provide ample sideshow freaks in between acts and generally lurking about the grounds; a perfect vibe for the Orange Show's arts-and-crazy ambiance. JOHN SEABORN GRAY
Devin the Dude Warehouse Live, April 18
It's nearly 4/20 again, so it's no surprise that Houston's favorite stoner uncle is set to smog out Warehouse Live. This year, Austin (sigh) gets Devin the Dude on the holiday itself, but the state capitol will likely still be sucking our fumes secondhand by then. The Dude has taken to performing with a big band for his big Warehouse shows in recent years, so if you've ever needed to join a room full of tranquilized homies grooving to a hip-hop vibraphone run, here's your shot. NATHAN SMITH
Warpaint Fitzgerald's, April 24
The last time Warpaint played Houston was supporting Grandfather Child. Now that Pegstar has upgraded from Mango's to Fitzgerald's, the psych-y L.A. four-piece can finally have a proper headlining date behind new album Warpaint. If you missed them then, your loss, but don't miss them again. ALYSSA DUPREE
Texas Crawfish & Music Festival Old Town Spring, April 25-27 & May 2-4
This year's lineup sounds great, but if I'm only there one day it'll be May 3 for Shakey Graves. If you don't know, you better ask somebody and do it quickly, because the Austin singer-songwriter is getting busier with bigger and better gigs daily -- like FPSF and Newport Folk Festival. Here's he'll be up close and personal alongside Ben Kweller, Bob Schneider, The Tontons The Suffers and many others. Plus -- crawfish! JESSE SENDEJAS JR
Mogwai Fitzgerald's, April 25
Last year I got heavily into Mogwai when I discovered that listening to music with words distracts me while writing. The Scottish band's skill at creating suspense with subtle, atmospheric notes and then exploding into a mushroom cloud of post-rock thunder is unmatched among their peers, and they still haven't peaked. Their album from earlier this year, Rave Tapes, is proof. JOHN SEABORN GRAY
More shows on the next page.
