It’s official: Winter break is over.

As the spring semester rears its ugly head, you may find yourself counting down the days until spring break begins. Instead, try counting down the days to the next big show. Here are our top picks to keep you sane and entertained as winter draws to a close.

Elise Nall’s Picks

1. WHO: Suns

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 20

WHERE: House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $8

WHY: A spacey, melodic haze of music courtesy of Suns descends on DeKalb for the evening. Also featured is AMRITA, a groovy band most obviously influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd and The Mars Volta.

2. WHO: Another Hero Dies

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 29

WHERE: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $8

WHY: Another Hero Dies, who has shared the stage with the likes of Sky Eats Airplane and The Fall of Troy, has become a favorite of the local metal scene–and with good reason.

3. WHO: The Toasters

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 17

WHERE: Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $12

WHY: Ska veterans The Toasters will be pickin’ it up at Otto’s. Come dig the groove and skank until you can’t stand up.

4. WHO: Emarosa

WHEN: Friday, March 4

WHERE: House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $15 in advance, $17 at the door

WHY: With Emarosa as a headliner and Chiodos as direct support, this show is a must-see. Despite the lineup changes that have rearranged both Emarosa and Chiodos, these two bands have held their own and remain staples of the mainstream post-hardcore scene.

Tony Martin’s Picks

1. WHO: Flatfoot 56

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2

WHERE: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $10

WHY: Punk without pretense take over The House Cafe for a sweaty night of sing-along anthems. Sleeping Under 47 and the Turbovamps! open.

2. WHO: Lucky Boys Confusion

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12

WHERE: Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $12 in advance, $14 at the door

WHY: While I may not be the biggest LBC fan, their shows in Dekalb have become a tradition. Don’t miss their return to Dekalb this semester.

3. WHO: Murder By Death

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 25

WHERE: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

COST: $13 in advance, $15 at the door

WHY: Indiana’s favorite Johnny Cash/Ennio Morricone troubadours return to town, with one of the world’s most underrated punk bands, Fake Problems, in tow.

4. WHO: Unannounced Performer

WHEN: Thursday, March 31

WHERE: Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway

WHY: The official announcement comes next Monday, but save (or spray paint) March 31 on your calendars. My sources say that this could be the biggest show of the year.

For more information on these shows or to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.kickstandproductions.net.

Editor’s note: All shows that take place at Otto’s are for age 21 or older.