The only thing better than watching a music video on TV or listening to a new band you just heard about on Pandora is actually going out to see them live. Lucky for you, you live in Charlotte. Hopefully the winter is over. These few days of sun have really got me excited about the spring, summer and terrible sunburns that I will no doubt have in the coming months. One of my favorite parts about this time of year is the release of the spring and summer concert schedules.

Charlotte has a few big music venues, which you have most likely heard of, even if you are new to the area. If you haven’t been to the Time Warner Cable Arena (The DVR Dome) or out to Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, then you need to hop on their Web sites and pick something out to go see that tickles your fancy. Too lazy? No problem – I already did it for you. Head just north of town to Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on May 7 and see Tom Petty and Joe Cocker play some of your old favorites. If country music is more your speed then check out the Country Mega Ticket on May 27. A name deep on that list that you may recognize is recent Academy Award winner Ryan Bingham. If you were sitting next to me at Solstice Tavern in NODA last fall, you would have been able to meet Ryan and be on his guest list for the show next door at the Evening Muse. ( No big deal). Stay tuned for more announcements from Time Warner Cable arena on concerts, but word on the street is that Phish may be playing there mid-June.

The Neighborhood Theatre in NODA is a great venue in a very cool part of Charlotte. Be sure to visit one of the many great places to eat and enjoy a few cocktails before the show. Robert Earl Keen and the Sons of Bill will be playing there on March 11.

The Visulite is another great venue on Elizabeth Street right near uptown. Elizabeth Street has just been renovated and hosts a few new places to grub before walking in to listen to Asheville, N.C., natives Acoustic Syndicate on March 12. If you can’t make it this Saturday, be sure to check out the Hill Country Revue, a North Mississippi All-Stars side project on April 7.

Not too far from the Visuilite is a great, small bar/venue, the Double Door Inn. Want to see the next big thing out of Athens, Ga.? Go see Mama’s Love on May 1 at the Double Door. Be sure to get there early – sold out last time.

Amos South End is will be hosting Sound Tribe Sector 9 this Thursday, March 11.

The North Carolina Music Factory is the new, soon-to-be-famous venue located just inside the northwest corner of 277. It offers a few very upscale, swanky, New York transplanted clubs, as well as three music venues. The Black Eyed Peas stopped by recently for an after party. I was there for the first time two weeks ago to see Trey Anastasio Band. It is truly a first-class place, and I am eager to see it add more dates to its calendar. Once you have worn yourself out from a big Friday or Saturday night this spring, be sure to stop by the Philosopher’s Stone on Sunday afternoons when the weather is nice. They have great music outside most every Sunday, as wells as bags, ping pong and picnic tables. If you see me there, feel free to buy me some wings or a beer.