THE ARCTIC: Wispy, but evocative alt-folk from Vancouver, Arctic is the brainchild of Martin Marcus. The music from Arctic's new CD Today Brought Me Here offers up the desultory loneliness of the Northwest Territories where Marcus grew up. Arctic performs Monday in the cosy Casbah Lounge (306 King St. W.) with Kevin Appleby, Alex & Andy, Ryan Nolan and mitchmusic. Doors open, 8 p.m. $5

JULLY BLACK: You may have caught Jully Black's spectacular closing performance of Seven Day Fool at the Junos last month. She's is probably the closest thing to Tina Turner this country will ever produce. The Toronto R&B singer also has a regular role on Canadian Idol this summer. Black brings her band to The Casbah, 306 King St. W., Wednesday, May 28. Tickets are $20 from the club.

GEORGE THOROGOOD: This guy has been playing the same kind of hard- stomping guitar blues since the mid-'70s. Thorogood has a new CD, Hard Stuff, covering John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Fats Domino. Thorogood brings his Destroyers to Copps Coliseum Thursday, May 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are: $39.50 at the box office, ticketmaster.ca or 905 527-7666.

MICHELLE TITIAN won the Hamilton Music Award in November for female artist of the year. Last year, the country singer-songwriter released her first album to positive reviews. She now splits her time between Hamilton and Nashville. Titian performs Tuesday night at the Pepper Jack Cafe, 38 King William St., with Wintermarket, and Pete Vandyk and The Highway Heroes.

K.D. LANG is getting rave reviews for Watershed, her first album of original material in eight years. It's a beautiful blend of country, pop and jazz. She's put a new band together and has taken the new songs on the road, stopping by Hamilton Place Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $64.50 to $72.50 at Copps Coliseum box office, online at ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 905-527-7666.