Coming to the Icon on Friday (Jan. 19), are the Heart Attacks, hailing from the state of Georgia, who just released their first record, Hellbound and Heartless (Hellcat Records). The reckless and rambunctious quintet is back with the music they describe as “loud and dumb,”although there is no evidence of such—not according to the reviews their album has received. They also describe themselves as “a gang of pirate gypsy crackhead smart-mouthed snot-nosed rock & roll misfits” (this from the lead singer, Chase), and there is probably plenty of evidence for this. Keeping in good company, Suburban Chaos and punk vets the Queers are also on the bill. Tickets are $10 pre-sale or $12 at the door (7pm).

The Queen City Roller Girls invite you and your friends out for a night of enertainment as they hold a “coming out” party of sorts, otherwise known as the Roller Derby Debutante Brawl. This fundraiser/open skate is a great opportunity to meet the skaters as well as find out what roller derby is all about. There will be music by DJ Tanner and the whole shebang has an 80’s prom theme, so make sure you come decked out in your best retro gear and be ready to take a spin on eight wheels. The event is scheduled for Saturday (Jan 20), at Rainbow Rink at 9pm

Show the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus some love this weekend by giving them back a little of what they’ve been giving you—cohesion as a community. Head downtown to “Celebrate,” the annual winter concert, held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Elmwood on Friday night (Jan 19) and at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Delaware on Saturday night (Jan 20). The performances consist of a catalogue of songs in two parts, the second half featuring a compilation of the members’ favorite songs gathered from performances over the past five years (this year marks the chorus’ fifth anniversary). Tickets are $18/adults and $16 for seniors/students/disabled. The concerts begin at 8pm on both nights

Piano and electronic beats fuel the fire in Heather Mere’s music, a blend of hard-core, goth and alternative rock. Mere is one of many talented locals who will be opening for headliners Amnesty Box on Saturday (Jan. 20) at Club Infinity. The Niagara Falls native will start the show at 7:30pm, and following acts include the Fracture, Divided Seed, Angree Chicken and MissFortune. Tickets are $7/ advance and $8/at the door (7pm). This is an all ages show (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

If you’re down with reggae music that has soul, Beres Hammond might just be what you’re looking for. With a career that began in the 70’s Hammond has achieved vast success in the music business. His powerful reggae can be compared to a blend between Bob Marley and Buju Banton, a magical sound that might make you wish you were sipping a glass of rum on a beach in Jamaica. Hammond prides himself on the vibes he creates, and you’ll be sure to feel them if you are in the audience on Sunday night (Jan. 21) for his show at the Icon. Expect the classic hits along with some funky new grooves. Marcia Griffiths opens the show, and tickets are $17advance and $20/at the door (7pm)