Here are my recommendations of concerts to check out for a strong first quarter of 2017. I’m even telling you which ones are good for a date to give you a little more incentive. Most of these are in smaller spaces within larger venues like the Bronze Peacock Room at the House of Blues and the Studio at Warehouse Live.

1. Khalid

January 27 at the House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room for $12. Young Texan Khalid has been riding the wave of his single Location. Great voice, catchy hook. I’m looking forward to it and it’s a cheap date idea.

2. Sevyn Streeter

January 28 at the House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room for $20. You’ve heard her writing and her music before even if you don’t know her name.

3. Ro James

February 15 at Warehouse Live in the Studio for $24. He’s been getting a lot of buzz. He’s firmly in the Bryson Tiller, Tory Lanez generation which I’ve heard described hilariously as R&B Thug.

4. Juicy J and Project Pat

February 17 at the House of Blues for $35. You should already know. And this ticket price is a steal for both of them. Here’s a song talking about the dangers of addiction. And Groupon has it for cheaper.

5. Kevin Garrett

February 22 at the House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room for $13. I discovered Kevin Garrett at SXSW back in March and have been looking forward to hearing his soulful music again ever since. Great date night.

6. Isaiah Rashad

February 24 at Warehouse Live in the Studio for $17. He’s on the TDE record label with Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. His new album is very solid.

7. Valerie June

March 1 at The Heights Theater for $20. Another great date night idea. Her unique, bluesy voice is perfect for this intimate venue.

8. Alina Baraz

March 10 at The Studio at Warehouse Live for $20. It’s sold out already, unfortunately, but you may be able to grab aftermarket tickets. I missed out too but I’m pretty sure with these dates she’ll be at SXSW so I’m looking forward to finally seeing her perform there.

9. Thundercat

March 11 at Warehouse Live in the Studio for $25. I’ve seen Thundercat perform four times now including Day For Night this past weekend. The young bassist is excellent and you’ll be mesmerized watching his fingers while he hits notes you’d never expect.

Keep up with these and other concerts at merlexpicks.com. You can also subscribe to my newsletter if you’re interested in new music!