With the beginning of spring, the world sheds its icy cocoon and emerges dripping wet and blinking in the sun.

As spring break looms, it's time to celebrate this end to bitter cold and blinding snowstorms with some hot tunes at nearby cities.

It doesn't matter what you're into -- reggae, indie rock, techno, blues -- there is a live show to see when spending the week at home.

Though your childhood bedroom may not seem as enticing as a week at the beach, peruse these concert dates for something to look forward to besides home-cooked meals.

Columbus, Ohio

Sunday, March 16

311 (Lifestyle Communities Pavilion)

The band from the Cornhusker State jams with you in the Buckeye capitol.

New York City

Saturday, March 8

DJ Skribble (Studio 450)

Pretend you're at MTV's Spring Break Cancun for a night.

Tuesday, March 11

Gregory Issacs and Rootz Underground (B.B. King's Blues Club)

Two great reggae acts in one nightclub

Saturday, March 15

Yellowcard and The Spill Canvas (Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza

Philadelphia

Saturday, March 8

The Pink Spiders (Trocadero Theatre)

This pop punk, Fall Out Boy-sounding trio is on its way to MTV stardom; see them before they are all over TRL.

Wednesday, March 12

Nightmare of You (Trocadero Theatre)

Don't let the name fool you; they aren't just another emo band. Nightmare is an indie rock band consisting of former members of The Movielife and Glassjaw.

Pittsburgh

Friday, March 7

Akron/Family (The Warhol Museum)

The band incorporates progressive rock, gospel music, jazz and folk into one unique sound.

Tuesday, March 11

B.B. King (Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts)

This will probably be one of your only chances to see a legendary 82-year-old blues guitarist.

Saturday, March 15

The Clarks (Gateway Clipper)

The band will return to the city where they got their start to put on a show for their loyal hometown following.

Bon Jovi (Mellon Arena)

See the man who actually sings one of Penn State students' favorite tunes, "Livin' On A Prayer."

Washington, D.C.

Saturday, March 8

The Hives (9:30 Club)

Spin Magazine ranked them the eighth-greatest current live act, so it seems they're doing something right.

Tuesday, March 11

Pete Francis, formerly of Dispatch (9:30 Club)

If you missed State Radio at Lulu's Nightspot in late February, here is your chance to see a different former member of Dispatch.

Wednesday, March 12

MySpace Music Tour featuring Justice (9:30 Club)

Don't let the MySpace sponsorship deter you from going. This show will just make you want to D.A.N.C.E. to some electro-house music.