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OF GENTLEMEN AND COWARDS

Hamilton rock band Of Gentleman and Cowards rose out of the McMaster campus in much the same way as the Arkells. The band scored some brief fame with a 2012 appearance on “Late Night with David Letterman” and now has a new album, “Modern Jukebox.” Of Gentlemen and Cowards performs Thursday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m. at This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., with Brodie Dakin, Will Gillespie and Ben Somer. $7.

BEGONIA

Begonia is the stage name for Winnipeg-based singer Alexa Dirks. She has a voice as big as Adele and some great songs to boot. Her music recalls the great days of soul and R&B. She won a Juno for her work with Chic Gamine and now has a superb new record “Lady in Mind.” Begonia performs Friday, Feb. 10, at Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. $15 at the door, $10 advance. With Nabi.

HEAT

Heat is a five-piece rock outfit from Montreal that has just released a new album on Heavy-Trip Records (the name of the label says it all). They have a hip psychedelic garage sound that’ll have you bouncing off the walls. Heat performs Sunday, Feb. 12, at The Casbah (Queen at King St. W.) with Hamilton’s Basement Revolver and Toronto’s Twist. 8 p.m. $10.

ELEPHANT STONE

Elephant Stone is another uber-hip band from Montreal that combines traditional East Indian music with western psych-rock and is fronted by Rishi Dhir (formerly with the High Dials). The band has recently released its fourth album, “Ship of Fools,” and will perform Tuesday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. at The Casbah with Walrus, White Crowley and Dizzy Spells. $10.

WHITNEY ROSE

Whitney Rose can break any cowboy’s heart, even a few urban ones. She grew up on Prince Edward Island but now calls Austin, Texas, home. And Texas is glad she came. They love her retro country sound. You will too when Rose performs Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Mills Hardware, with Hamilton bluesman Alfie Smith. Show at 9 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door.