One of my favorite things to do with my friends is to make big plans to start a band.

Seriously, dude. For real this time! Who doesn’t want to see an all-girl punk band? Come on, you can learn bass in a week! Or let’s get all arty and buy some effects pedals and start an experimental band. Or – even better – let’s find someone who can do Cookie Monster vocals and play black metal. I have a list of potential metal band names ready to go. I am partial to either “Gore Knob” or “Fruit of the Doom.” We can practice in my basement next week. Prepare to have your face rocked off.

Generally speaking, this plan is abandoned within hours of its devising. I’m good with the idea thing – not so much with the follow-through. Mark my words: Someday I’ll actually do it. Until then, though, let’s leave the rocking to the professionals, like the bands making stops in Maine over the next two months. I’ll just write about it and let you all know what’s going on. Until you see Fruit of the Doom co-headlining with Megadeth and Dream Theater, that is.

Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, www.thecivicenter.com

The Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour makes its annual Maine stop on Tuesday, March 18, at the Civic Center, featuring Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, Bullet For My Valentine and Blessthefall, along with a sweet lineup of Japanese rock bands including Mucc, D’espairsRay and the Underneath, and the yet-to-be-named local band winner of the Ernie Ball-Music Man Battle of the Bands. The next day, clean-cut pop darlings the Jonas Brothers play with pop-rockers Rooney on March 19. That show is sold-out, though more tickets might become available closer to the date.

Merrill Auditorium, Portland, www.porttix.com

The 12-member instrumental band Pink Martini, renowned for its smooth, sultry take on Latin and classical, performs at Merrill Friday, March 7. A month later, legendary rocker Jackson Browne will take the stage on Thursday, April 3.

Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownsfield, www.stonemountainartscenter.com

Jazz-avant-garde guitarist Bill Frisell makes another Maine stop Sunday, March 2, at Stone Mountain. Later on, the Grascals, Dolly Parton’s backing band, bring their freewheeling modern bluegrass Friday, March 14. Two icons of the ’60s folk revival pay a visit to the western Maine venue on Thursday, April 4, when mandolin king David Grisman and Lovin’ Spoonful mastermind John Sebastian perform.

Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel, www.sundayriver.com

Ski season has reached its peak, but the music keeps coming at Sunday River. On Saturday, March 15, catch Dixie chickens Little Feat, while songwriter Edwin McCain, best-known for his song “I’ll Be” and his commentary on all those VH1 “I Love the ’90s” shows, will play Saturday, March 29.

Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley, www.sugarloaf.com

I would go see Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet play at Sugarloaf Saturday, March 15, just because. I mean, come on. You’re flirting with disaster if you don’t. (No hate mail, please.) And don’t forget: The 20th annual Bud Light Reggae Fest is set for April 10-13 at the Loaf. The full lineup has not yet been announced. It’s a real good time, mon.

Space Gallery, Portland, www.space538.org

The ever indie-rockalicious Space Gallery hosts post-punkers Oxford Collapse on Tuesday, March 11, followed directly up by another dose of post-punk with Wilderness on March 12. In April, American Music Club celebrates the release of its ninth album of desolate, lovely indie-folk, “The Golden Age,” Monday, April 21.

The Asylum, Portland, www.myspace.com/portlandasylum

Jazz-jam fusion masters Soulive play at this tragically underutilized Portland venue Saturday, March 8.

Strom Auditorium, Camden

Los Lobos come back to Maine for the second time in less than six months for a Sunday, March 9, show at the Strom Auditorium at Camden Hills Regional High School. Check Ticketmaster outlets for information.

Waterville Opera House, Waterville, www.operahouse.com

Joan Baez will play the gorgeous Waterville Opera House Monday, March 24. The Opera House is kicking up its booking schedule a lot, so check back here for more announcements regarding concerts there.

Colby College, Waterville, www.colby.edu

The F.O.K. (Friend of Kanye), multitalented and ridiculously handsome rapper Common performs at Colby College Friday, April 18. I might have to go just to gawk at how beautiful that man is.

Alfond Arena, University of Maine, www.umainetix.com

Panic at the Disco, Motion City Soundtrack, Phantom Planet and the Hush Sound bring the Honda Civic 2008 tour to el Universidad de Maine Friday, May 2. If any of those guys get inspired by My Chemical Romance and get sick and cancel the show, then I’m pretty sure Maine is cursed when it comes to pop-emo bands.

Soma 36, Orono, www.myspace.com/wmeb

WMEB 91.9 FM brings electro-rocker and certified weirdo Dan Deacon to Soma May 3. I’ll let y’alls know more about him later, because he’s totally great.

eburnham@bangordailynews.net

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