And... we're into March. Spring training has begun and the slow, seemingly endless death trod to nicer weather begins. We can make it through together, compatriots. The sun will come out eventually.

You know what will lift your spirits? A rare Monday night out! I've got just the thing for your tuckuses: the Nate Diggity Variety Show and Beard Exhibit tonight at the Abbey Lounge on Beacon Street in Somerville.

Here's how it works - Andy from Baker performs solo acoustic on the pub stage. Shortly afterward, Conan from Baker performs solo acoustic as well. Then, they oil up and fight like the saucy little mynxes they are. The smart money's on Andy - he's not afraid to use his nails.

Then, the atrociously bearded portion of the evening begins with some melancholy power pop from Scamper's own Nate Rogers. He's been toiling away in the lab and has himself a handful of new tunes and a faceful of scruff. He is no one to be trifled with and that's all you need to know.

Finally, the great Jon Gorey closes out the evening. A pub night without Jon Gorey is like a BM without the stink. Sure, it still feels good, but there's something's just not right and you should probably consult your physician. Although I haven't seen him in a few, Mr. Gorey has been known to sport a beard or two in his day, so I wouldn't be surprised if he gives Nate a run for it in the crumb catcher competition.

The best thing of all - the night is completely free! Your funds will be freed up to buy me a drink to butter me up for that loan you've been trying to convince me to co-sign. See you tonight, freeloaders!