Live local scene heats back up

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After two weeks or so of Messiahs and other seasonal fare, the local live music schedule heats back up just as the weather gets colder. And while shows at Air Canada Centre include upcoming appearances by Lady Gaga, The Tragically Hip, Pink, Rihanna, Muse and Fleetwood Mac, here are five gigs at smaller venues anticipated and worth securing tickets as quickly as possible.

Buika

The Spanish singer and fusionist Concha Buika (pronounced BWEE-kah) layers harmonies and rhythms inimitably, working boldly across the fields of swinging scat-jazz, tuneful pop and emotive flamenco. Jan. 25, 8 p.m. $35 to $75. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208.

Soundgarden

After a 13-year hiatus, the Black Hole Sun band reunited in 2010 and last year released King Animal, an album and statement of grunge-rock muscularity and renewed viability. Jan. 25 and 26, 8 p.m. $84.25. Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., 1-855-985-5000.

Cody Chesnutt

In 2002, the American rock-and-soul man produced what he saw as his Headphone Masterpiece. Perhaps he blew his own mind; he drifted for years. He's now back with Landing on a Hundred, his warmly received new album from 2012. Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W., 1-855-985-5000.

Diana Krall

Not so much reinvented as re-enthused, the singer-pianist last year collaborated with producer T-Bone Burnett on Glad Rag Doll, a warm set of old American jazz. On an album inspired by her father's collection of vintage 78s, Krall's own spin is sublime. Feb. 21 and 22, 8 p.m. $75 to $130. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 416-872-4275.

Shuggie Otis

Unlike last year's comeback story involving the shadowy singer-songwriter Rodriguez, there is no documentary film involved with the return of Shuggie Otis. The feathery electric guitarist who is oft-sampled and fondly remembered for his seventies hit Strawberry Letter 23, steps back into the spotlight with a rare Canadian appearance. April 14, 8 p.m. $48. Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne St., 1-855-985-5000. – B.W.