It’s difficult not to let your mind wander about potential winter break plans as the end of the semester nears. If you’re interested in going to a concert during break, here are a few to consider.

The two local shows worth seeing this month are The Cadaver Dogs and The Conquering Horde. The Cadaver Dogs is a hard rock group from Ohio that clearly enjoys having a good time. Whether it’s on their Wikipedia page, their website or their Facebook, the band enjoys a good laugh. Without ruining anything, their Wikipedia page begins with, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth,” and ends with, “So you’re basically doomed either way.” Regardless, this band can rock and is heading straight to the top. The Cadaver Dogs perform at The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14. Tickets are $8.

The Conquering Horde is an NIU alumni band that has been described as “polished punk,” according to its Facebook page. Peter Lindsey, lead guitar player and singer, has a vocal style similar to Kurt Cobain’s. Also, his guitar style is reminiscent of Nirvana’s as it alternates from clean to distorted. The Conquering Horde is playing Dec. 17 at The House Cafe and Dec. 31 at Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway.

Some well-known bands that you shouldn’t miss are performing in Chicago this month. For the country fans out there, Carrie Underwood will be singing at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the United Center, 1901 West Madison St. Tickets start at $43. Although I’m not a big country fan, I saw Underwood perform this summer and was very impressed. She has an incredibly powerful voice that has improved since 2005, when she won American Idol.

I congratulate those who had heard of The Killers before they were featured on Guitar Hero. The Killers have been rocking for more than a decade. This band is notorious for its creative, high-tech live shows. The Killers will be performing at 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave. The tickets start at $38.50. If you have the money, I’m sure it will be a great show.