Now that winter has finally started to relent and, car-munching potholes aside, the roads are safer for some longer journeys out, now’s the time to put the headphones up for an evening (or two), pile in the car with friends and loved ones (or at least those who’ll shell out for gas) and get out to hear some live music. So, pardners, here’s a round-up of a few shows this week worth checking out (lasso not included): First, venerable indie-rock pioneers Yo La Tango will make a rare appearance in the Pine Tree State on Saturday, April 3. The band will play Bates College’s Gray Cage, 70 Campus Ave., in Lewiston, with opening acts The Minus Scale and The Lido Venice. The best part? Admission is only $6. Tickets are available at Bull Moose Music locations. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Sunny pop-punkers Zox will return Wednesday, April 7, to Ushuaia, 103 Park St. in Orono. This is an 18-and-older show, doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $8. For more information, log on to www.zoxband.com.

And last but not least, on Saturday, April 10, Dreadnaught will rock Space, 538 Congress St. in Portland with its has-to-be-heard-to-be-believed “progabilly” music, a fusion of progressive, or prog, rock, American roots music and jazz.

The band, with Bangor native Tim Haney helping to pound out all those odd time signatures on drums, will be celebrating the release of its new album, “Musica En Flagrante.” This sure-to-be eclectic concert will also feature other musicians from Bangor, including percussionist Paul J. Bosse and turntablist RPM (aka Mat Young). Bosse will play as part of an art-rock duo with saxophonist Ryan Foss and RPM will do a solo set of his original hip-hop-based compositions, including material from his future 12-inch vinyl release on Bully Records (www.bullyrecords.com). For more about Bosse and Foss, go to www.angryrodent.com. This also is an 18-and-older show, doors open at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 828-5600 or visit www.space538.org.

George Bragdon can be reached at gbragdon@bangordailynews.net.