Know why January is a good month for live music in the Twin Cities? Because while most national touring artists tend to stop coming through town in these coldest of winter months, it gives the locals more opportunities to headline the bigger venues and test out their new material. As you'll notice in this week's Gig List, that often means lower ticket prices for you as well. It's a win-win.

Find our top suggestions for local gigs below, and as always you can find even more to do on the Current's concert calendar.

Monday, January 14

Katy Vernon

Amsterdam Bar and Hall, St. Paul

9 p.m., free, 21+

Former Camdens frontwoman-turned-ukulele wielding singer-songwriter Katy Vernon will perform with her new backing trio. Also on the bill is Minneapolis-bred, NYC-based artist Nina Yasmineh.

Tuesday, January 15

Gabe Douglas

Cause Spirits and Soundbar, Minneapolis

9 p.m., free, 21+

Gabe Douglas of the 4onthefloor and Danny O'Brien of Farewell Circuit continue their Tuesday night residency at Cause, this time with support from songwriters Jezebel Jones and Al Church.

Jack Brass Band

Amsterdam Bar and Hall, St. Paul

9 p.m., free, 21+

Minneapolis's only traditional New Orleans brass band will bring their infectious grooves to St. Paul for this free gig. Don't expect them to simply perform on stage--this fun group has been known to command a room from every corner.

Wednesday, January 16

Duck Duck Punch CD-Release Show

7th St. Entry, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $5, 18+

Iron Rangers Bryan Rudell and Trent Waterman (Portage) break away from the folk sounds of the North Country to release a New Wave-inspired synth-pop album under the name Duck Duck Punch. They'll be joined by Breakfast Anytime and the Trends.

Dichotomy Album-Release Show

Honey, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

Instrumental electronic violin and beatmaking duo Dichotomy will celebrate the release of their debut full-length, Nocturnal, with support from Big Al, Q's Junction, and DJ Neviator.

Thursday, January 17

The Ericksons CD-Release Show

Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $12 adv/$15 door, all ages

Folk sisters Bethany Valentini and Jenny Kochsiek re-emerge with a full band and a bold new sound (read my interview with them here). They'll celebrate the release of their Beau Sorenson-produced new full-length, The Wild, with opener Jimmy Peterson of Bellwether.

The Oddfathers

Cabooze, Minneapolis

8 p.m., $7, 21+

Brynn Arens (Flipp) re-emerges with a new mafia-themed act, the Oddfathers. They'll make their Twin Cities debut Thursday night at the Cabooze, on the heels of the release of a new EP, Double Live 45. With openers Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets and Phil Solem.

All Eyes and Votel (opening for Onuinu)

7th St. Entry, Minneapolis

8 p.m., $7, 18+

Portland electro artist Onuinu will be joined by a pair of the Twin Cities' best downtempo mood-pop groups, All Eyes and Votel. Get their early enough to see all three sets.

Friday, January 18

The Current's 8th Birthday, Night One

First Avenue, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $18, 18+

Join the Current for the first of two nights in the First Avenue Mainroom. Night one will feature performances by John Mark Nelson, Chastity Brown, the Twin Cities Funk and Soul All-Stars (who haven't performed live since last summer's big Secret Stash compilation release show) and headliners the 4onthefloor.

Prissy Clerks

Cause Spirits and Soundbar, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

Still riding high on the success of their December 2012 release, Bruise or Be Bruised, Prissy Clerks will headline this stellar bill alongside Nice Purse, Dan Mariska and the Boys Choir, and Jack Campbell. For more on Prissy Clerks, see my interview with frontwoman Clara Salyer.

Pert Near Sandstone

Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $25, all ages

The boisterous local bluegrass/roots band are following up last year's successful two-night stand at the Cedar with another Winter Stringband Gathering. Friday night's show will feature openers Black Twig Pickers.

Cash Only XIII: A Tribute to the Man in Black

Cabooze, Minneapolis

8 p.m., $12 adv/$15 door, 18+

Sherwin Linton, Trailer Trash, White Iron Band, Erik Koskinen and more gather to pay tribute to Johnny Cash at this annual cover show.

dVRG's Birthday Party

Icehouse, Minneapolis

11 p.m., $5, 21+

Omnipresent pianist deVon Gray (Heiruspecs, Brother Ali, Chastity Brown) rings in his birthday with an all-star bash, which will include a live performance by Chihuahua City featuring Chastity Brown and DJing from James Diers, Ghostband, Noam the Drummer, and special guests.

Edward the Confessor CD-Release Show

Crooked Pint Ale House, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

New '90s indie rock/power-pop revivalists Edward the Confessor celebrate the release of their self-titled debut, which features members of several well-known local rock bands (Pictures of Then, Icy Shores, Maudlin). They'll be joined at this Rock the Cause-curated show by openers the Color Pharmacy.

Saturday, January 19

The Current's 8th Birthday, Night Two

First Avenue, Minneapolis

7 p.m., Sold Out, 18+

Night two of the Current's birthday festivities will feature The Chalice, Now, Now, Dave Pirner, and headliners Cloud Cult.

Dave Rave CD-Release Show

Wild Tymes, St. Paul

8 p.m., free, 18+

Teenage Head guitarist Dave Rave celebrates the release of his new full-length Astray Makeup, which will be released on Rich Mattson's Sparta Sound Records. Mattson will open with his group Junkboat, along with Smilin' Cowboys, James Loney and the Midnight Troubadours, and more.

Pert Near Sandstone

Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $25, all ages

The boisterous local bluegrass/roots band are following up last year's successful two-night stand at the Cedar with another Winter Stringband Gathering. Saturday night will include an opening set from North Carolina's the Freight Hoppers.

Bellwether

Aster Cafe, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $10, all ages

Alt-country at its finest. Bellwether will perform a full-band gig on the heels of frontman Jimmy Peterson's set opening for the Ericksons earlier in the week. With opener Brad Senne.

Sunday, January 20

The Joseph Bell

Turf Club, St. Paul

8 p.m., $5, 21+

I don't know much about this band beyond the audio samples they sent over, but what I've heard reminded me a bit of mid-2000s greats Coach Said Not To. Check 'em out live alongside openers Shark Town and King Fish Crow.