As we all settle in to the new year, Brent Amaker and

As we all settle in to the new year, Brent Amaker and his cosmic band of cowboys, The Rodeo, remind us that life is nothing if it’s not a little weird. Just check out this video for “Tequila Cerveza,” from the band’s 2013 release, Year of the Dragon, and remember to keep it strange this year. And don’t forget to go see these cooky cowpokes on the 16th at Neumos when the band drops its new EP Country Sky and helps the club ring in 20 glorious years at the Neumos 10 Year/Moe’s 20 Year Anniversary event.

Speaking of anniversaries, 2014 is a big birthday year for a few historic Seattle structures. On July 4th, the Smith Tower, currently experiencing an arts and music renaissance, will turn 100. The Showbox Market turns a ripe 75, too. To commemorate, both the Showbox Market and Showbox Sodo—will waive “service charge fees on tickets purchased at either Showbox Box Office location – for the entire year.” (That’s a nice $2 off, but that fee is always waived if you take your chances and purchase night-of-show tickets at the door, fyi.) Both the Smith Tower and the Showbox are planning year-long events to observe their respective occasions so stay tuned to their sites (here and here) for updates.

Finally, if the novelty of being cold hasn’t yet worn off, consider heading up to snowy Leavenworth next week for the first ever Timbrrr! Winter Music Festival on January 10 and 11th. Might I say, the happening is shaping up to be a sausage fest in more ways than one. Just look at the dude-heavy lineup: Hey Marseilles, Telekinesis, The Moondoggies, Cataldo, The Lonely Forest, and more. Yet I digress—who doesn’t love sausage, especially in such Bavarian-themed climes? (Though I prefer the soy and gluten variety, that is a story for another day.) Plus you’re already pretty much there at Stevens Pass, so bring your skis/snowshoes/snowboard/booze-filled thermos and prepare for some winter fun. Forecast that weekend calls for ice and snow, so remember hipsters: Dress for warmth, not for looks. You know long under ware won’t fit under those skinny jeans. Get tickets, while they last, here.