Milwaukee seems to get more great concerts than ever these days and despite what people think and say, there is no shortage of good venues here, from Shank to the Pabst to Cactus and The Rave and beyond.

Having long been a fan of Neko Case, I'm happy to see her return. When her "Furnace Room Lullaby" came out, I raved and was addicted and I begged Bloodshot's then-publicity gal Lee Gutowski (I'd later work with her brother Tim here at OnMilwaukee.com) to tell the powers that be to send her to Milwaukee. That didn't happen back then, so instead I traveled and saw Case at the Double Door and not long after with Carolyn Mark as the Corn Sisters in New York.

She played a great show at The Pabst two years ago and so I have high hopes for her Riverside gig on April 25.

I also loved The Decemberists at The Pabst that year and then later Colin Meloy solo at the same venue. So, when Meloy and company return to play the Riverside on May 29, I'll be there.

Scotland has always churned out great bands and the instrumental Mogwai is right up there. So, seeing that they'll play Turner Hall on May 9 is welcome news. Whether I'll get there or not depends on entirely unrelated circumstances, but I plan to try.

The Rave has some great shows in April, too, with Morrissey on April 3 and then a one-two punch of Franz Ferdinand on April 29 and The Killers on April 30.

Of course, lots of venues have lots of shows, so watch the OnMilwaukee.com event calendar and weekly gig roundup for details. These are just a few that are written in red pen in my calendar.