Just to let you know that Kate’s birthday is coming up very soon. I’m planning on doing something special but i’ll have to ask Tabitha Her birthday is December 8 and she will be turning 23.

Billy Ray Cyrus and David Nail, are among the musicians who will take part in the tree lighting ceremony in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday (Dec. 10) in New York City. The public is invited to attend the event, which will also feature live performances. Other participating artists include violist Joshua Bell and Dancing With the Stars winner Kym Johnson, as well as Twisted Sister, Collective Soul, Stryper, Honor Society, Alexa Ray Joel, Kate Voegele, Tamela Mann and the Monsignor Donovan Choir.

In less than two years, singer-songwriter Kate Voegele has gone from a Cleveland-based artist to a national pop singer. The Northeast Ohio native recently released her sophomore effort, “A Fine Mess.” Voegele also has taken up acting, appearing regularly on the WB show “One Tree Hill.

The 22-year-old performer comes home for the holidays with a special intimate show Dec. 14 at the House of Blues Cambridge Room. Also on the bill are Howie Day and Joshua Radin. Tickets are $15, with all proceeds benefiting The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.

Putting lipstick on a flying pig is the idea behind popular Pink Floyd cover band Wish You Were Here’s upcoming Jan. 2 show at the House of Blues. The tribute act plans on playing Pink Floyd’s legendary album “Animals” in its entirety. Tickets are $16.50.

Inspired by the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate, Jawbox and the Flaming Lips, Motion City Soundtrack arrived on the music scene five years ago as just another emo-rocking/ punk act.

Since then, the Minnesota-based act has evolved into a pop-rock outfit, with its new album “My Dinosaur Life” set to be released in January.

The quintet is gearing up for its next tour, which comes to Cleveland Jan. 27 at the House of Blues. Opening are Set Your Goals, This Providence and The Swellers. Tickets are $19.99.

Tickets for all above House of Blues shows are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations.

When singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco first emerged on the music scene over a decade ago, the Buffalo, N.Y., native built a unique sound around an aggressive folk vibe.

Today the fiercely independent artist is known for her strong political-based material, which often comments on social issues of the day.

DiFranco is still touring her 2008 album, “Red Letter Year.” The 39-year-old artist returns to Columbus for a Feb. 26 show at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. Tickets are $30 in advance or $32 day of show, and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations.

Talk about getting archival. With over a quarter of a century’s worth of Grateful Dead shows to pull from, the Dark Star Orchestra has made a career out of recreating Jerry Garcia and company’s set lists in concert.

The unique tribute act returns to Ohio in early 2010 with shows planned for Feb. 13 at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus and Feb. 14 at the House of Blues in Cleveland. Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 day of show (Columbus) and $22.50 (Cleveland), and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations.

Reggae fans not familiar with Santa Barbara-based act Rebelution will have a chance to see the band in action when it comes to Columbus for a Feb. 6 show at the Newport Music Hall.

The outfit recently released its sophomore effort, “Bright Side of Life,” which is the follow-up to its 2007 debut, “Courage To Grow.”

Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 day of show, and are now on sale at all Ticketmaster locations.