When we say the winter music calendar has everything we are barely exaggerating. The season has multiple Pixies-related projects, Huey Lewis covers, century-old operas, rising pop stars, and New Orleans brass bands. Find a few strange sonic bedfellows this winter because who says you can’t love yacht rock and Kraftwerk and everything in between.
Jan. 30 & Feb. 1, Symphony Hall
The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Lyric Opera team up for composer Erich Korngold’s “Die tote Stadt” (“The Dead City”). A tender kiss to the Romantic era, this 1920 opera examines how lost loved ones shape us. BSO maestro Andris Nelsons debuts the work for the Orchestra.
Jan. 31, House of Blues
Is Black’s “Teenager of the Year” the Pixies second best album? (After “Doolittle,” naturally.) Come see Black celebrate the 30th anniversary of the LP and debate the question to your heart’s content.
Feb. 7, the Sinclair, Cambridge
There’s nothing like a Huey Lewis tribute band and a few choice yacht rock covers to chase the winter blues away. Just try to be crabby and cold while you boogie to Power of Love doing “Do You Believe in Love” and Buoys of Summer jamming on “Rosanna.”
Feb. 19, Burren Backroom, Somerville
Let’s work on making Lyle Brewer more famous. We can start by making this show a sellout. Brewer is the most dynamic guitarist in town (see awesome jam band Neighbor and his arrangements of Bach). For this gig, Brewers plays solo pulling from his classical-adjacent instrumental albums.
Feb. 22, Brighton Music Hall
Canal is a Spanish-American singer-songwriter who was born in Germany and has logged time in half a dozen places. Her music is equally untethered (in a good way!). There are pop songs and dreamy ballads and indie folk meditations. Catch Canal in the middle of her tour celebrating her debut LP — “Slowly, It Dawns.”
Feb. 22, Crystal Ballroom, Somerville
Your Mardi Gras plans are set. OK, it’s a little early, but it works. Hope you didn’t give up funkin’ it up for Lent because Nola’s best brass band will absolutely bring it.
Feb. 28, the Sinclair
Nashville-based queer pop-funk artist Molly Grace may be the breakout star of 2025 thanks to a fresh and classic sound. She’s got vibes that triangulate Lizzo, Prince and Lake Street Dive. That is to say, she’s got immaculate vibes.
March 10, Wilbur
Is Deal’s “Nobody Loves You More” the best Pixies-related project since “Doolittle?” Come see Deal celebrate her magnificent — arty! unexpected! weird! wondrous! — solo album and debate the question to… Well, is there really a debate? Listen to “Nobody Loves You More” and try to argue it’s not a wild masterpiece.
March 11, Wang Theater
How about a little dance, dance, musical revolution? The ’70s German electro pioneers bring you the tour you thought you’d never see. Expect stacks of synths, laser lights, and 15-minute electronic experiments about the “Autobahn.”
