The St. Louis concert scene ebbs and flows, sometimes in waves no bigger than bath-time splashes.

However, the way this spring is shaping up, the Midwest is going to get hit with a music tidal wave. So drain your savings, cash in the penny jar rations and buy yourself some concert tickets.

Ani DiFranco 2/23/02 @ The Pageant

Yes, the queen of liberated folk rock has another sold out show coming to St. Louis, but maybe you can work some magic outside the venue this weekend. Ani DiFranco’s sets are unpredictable in tone and tempo (sometimes rocking, sometimes mellow) but an eclectic crowd and DiFranco’s perennial enthusiasm are sure to make this show interesting.

O.A.R. 2/26/02 @ Pop’s

O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) formed in 1998 at Ohio State University and its grassroots movement upward has made these college rockers one of the most popular, non-critically acclaimed rock bands around. Tickets are $15 and are available through Ticketmaster.

Dismemberment Plan & Deathcab for Cutie 3/8/02 @ The Creepy Crawl

Get emo for cheap, right before spring break, what could be better? These two rock bands add the tinge of sentimentality that make fans of emotive rock weep for joy. Get your tickets ahead of time for $8 through Metrotix.

Nikka Costa 3/10/02 @ The Pageant

This diva has been crooning overseas for years, but only recently has Nikka Costa hit it big in the States. Her first MTV-happy video, “Like a Feather,” showcased her booty-shaking skills, which when coupled with her sultry voice, are sure to please St. Louisans in March. Tickets start at $17.50 and are available through Ticketmaster.

Nelly Furtado 3/30/02 @ The Pageant

This pop princess from the North will shake it up with songs from her debut, Whoa Nelly! Although she deserves props for her Grammy nominations and radio-savvy hits, her live performance could be hit or miss (if her late-night-television showings have been any indication). Check her out if you’ve got the cash and like a happy vibe in the moshpit. Tickets start at $24 and are available through Ticketmaster.

Wu-Tang Clan 3/21/02 @ The Pageant

Hip-hop’s favorite family has reunited again, bringing their mythical kung-fu rapping skills back to St. Louis.

Method Man, the RZA and Inspecta Deck are all on board, and Public Enemy’s Flava-Flav filling in for the ever-troubled Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Tickets are $25.00.