NIU Valentines concert

DEKALBNorthern Illinois Universitys Campus Activities Board will kick off its Spring 2003 Local Music Showcase Series with a Valentines Day-themed concert at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the Diversions Lounge of the Holmes Student Center in DeKalb.

The event will highlight three of the Midwests up-and-coming artists, including Champaign-Urbanas underground darlings, the Red Hot Valentines. With plans to release an album on Illinois legendary Polyvinyl Records, plus a music video and national tour in the works, the Valentines are one of this years top groups to watch. Their first self-titled recording, released in January 2002, earned critical reviews within the music industry, garnering the attention of major labels. Hot off their merger with Polyvinyl, the bands next album, Calling Off Today, is scheduled for release Feb. 18.

Also playing will be the Amazing Kill-O-Watts, from Peoria. The Kill-O-Watts blend the fine tunes of such classic artists as Buddy Holly and the Cars with the music of new talent such as Weezer and the Aquabats. Founded in 1995 under the name HAM, their musical style is one of melodic harmonies over aggressively heavy pop riffs. Couled with lyrics that often have a sci-fi theme, the music becomes what they refer to as geek rock. Their latest album, released in July on Clumsy Records, is titled The Terror of Technology.