The Canadian dollar is down, the economy is crumbling, tuition is still rising, people are taking on second jobs just to make ends meet and taking out second mortgages on their houses. Still, February is full of shows that will make you want to pawn the last of your stuff for the tickets.

Since you're probably already on campus and don't have time to get to the pawn shop, That Empty Space is featuring folksters Jon and Roy and Erin Ross on Feb. 6, for the low cost of absolutely nothing. If you miss them at That Empty Space or are desperate to see them again, you can catch them opening for the Tom Fun Orchestra at the Marquee Room the next night. For those who are more into getting their faces melted off, metal heroes Bison B.C. are back in Calgary at the Stetson the same night.

The Stetson will be home to geeks who like live rock reinterpretations of video game music when Calgary's own Thwomp plays Feb. 10.

Even in times of economic crisis, it is good to think of those who are even less fortunate. Beats Not Bullets, a fundraiser for youth affected by war in Liberia, rocks Broken City on Feb. 12 and 13. The shindig features 11 artists including local favourites Beija Flor, Ghostkeeper, Axis of Conversation, Hunter/Gatherer, the Neckers and Fox Opera. A ticket for both nights is only $35, a small price to pay to help out those needy Liberians and to hear some great local music. Also on Friday, Calgary singer/songwriter Dave Simpson and Yolanda Sargeant visit That Empty Space.

Because a Gauntlet music column wouldn't be a Gauntlet music column without being indietastic, we are contract-bound to mention that Toronto's DD/MM/YYYY are playing with Sylvie and Twin Crystals at Broken City on Feb. 20. Next, some devastating news: English classic rock legends Foghat have cancelled their Feb. 21 show at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino, so you'll just have to listen to "Slow Ride" on vinyl at home.

For those who can scrounge up $40, former Talking Head David Byrne will be performing his own and Brian Eno's songs at the Jack Singer on Feb. 23.

If you're into hip-hop and have any money left by the end of the month, Kardinal Offishall rolls into Tequila's on Feb. 26. Craig Cardiff and Jonathan Lee round out what is apparently Folk February at That Empty Space on Feb. 27 and you should stillhave enough time to catch local punkers Madcowboys play at Broken City later that night.