Friday, Jan. 4
First Friday Reggae Night: Zion Lion
Czar’s 505
505 Pleasant St.
St. Joseph, MI  49085
(269) 983-1166

One of the most happening nights of the month at Czar’s 505 is its long-running reggae night. The bass booms, the dance floor is usually packed, and it’s a great night to get a designated driver because the feeling is good. No woman? No cry! There are usually plenty there with their girlfriends.
Check it out: czars.com
Sunday,  Jan. 6
A Chorus Line
3 p.m.
Star Plaza Theatre
8001 Deleware Pl., Merrillville, Ind.
(800) 745-3000

Some of my favorite concerts were experienced at the Star Plaza, and I always thought this was a great place to see a show. “A Chorus Line” should be worth the trip, though Broadway is not my cup of tea. Little known fact: This is the longest- running American Broadway musical in history.
Check it out: starplazatheatre.com

Tuesday, Jan. 8
Grave Robber wsg Armored Assault
9 p.m.
The Loop
1344 West State Road 2, La Porte, Ind.
(219) 814-7658

If you like metal bands in the genre of Slipknot, check these guys out. The Loop looks like it wants to book more of this genre so if it’s cool, it could be your new favorite find.
Check it out: reverbnation.com/graverobberpunk

Wednesday, Jan. 9
Middle Eastern Belly Dance I
6 p.m.
Battell Community Center
904 N. Main St., Mishawaka, Ind.
(574) 258-1667

Ruby Jazayre was so well regarded for her Beledi style dancing, editor of Arabesque Magazine, Ibrahim Farrah named her the Queen Oo Beledi. That’s a high recommendation and her work at IUSB may be the only reason she’s here to teach you her skills. This sounds interesting!
Check it out: rubyjazayre.com

Thursday, Jan. 10
Open Jam Night
8 p.m.
Hidden Pointe
1062 Nickerson Ave., Benton Harbor
(269) 926-1358

This place has the makings of a hippie/jam band music scene brewing if it can keep attendance up. Its ‘End of the World Party’ had a pretty cool feel with bands such as The Sypian Family Band and Half Ton Blues Gun. The room is large, there’s plenty of room to dance, hula hoop, play cornhole and feel good. Let me know if their Open Mic has the same vibe if you go.
Check it out: facebook.com/hiddenpointe

Dave Carlock is a 25-year veteran of the entertainment business whose work as a recording engineer and producer, touring musician, and songwriter made him Googleable. His continuing work as an Independent Content Creator of Sound and Image has earned him a Grammy Award certificate, two Platinum Record Awards, and a Paragon Award in advertising. Currently, he brings national and international artists to make records and music videos at his production studio in the Benton Harbor Arts District. www.davecarlock.com