The Kingston, Ontario-based quintet Tragically Hip have played pretty much every venue in Western New York – from tiny joints like Allen Street’s venerable Nietzsche’s and the long gone Buffalo Nickel Lounge to large scale arenas and sheds like HSBC and Darien Lake. So why is it such a big deal that they are playing a mid-sized venue like the Town Ballroom? Cause they’re The Hip, eh! Our border town position and The Hip’s undeniable status as rock gods in Canada mean they are rightfully big here in Buffalo, too. It’s no surprise that both shows of the band’s two-night stand at Town Ballroom sold out in just over a minute. It doesn’t hurt that The Hip are still riding high on 2006’s World Container (Universal), arguably their finest album in years. For this weekend, Gord and Gord, Johnny, Rob and Paul are the most wanted Canucks in town. (My apologies to three quarters of the Sabres). Doors open at 8pm.

Friday, March 9 & Saturday, March 10 at 9pm. The Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. (852-3900) www.townballroom.com. SOLD OUT