WAKING EYES: I never understood why this Winnipeg band didn't break out four years ago with The Trews and Sam Roberts Band. The Waking Eyes' Video See album was that good. They've stuck with it, though, making some lineup changes along the way. See them at the Casbah (306 King St. E.) on Friday. Doors open at 10 p.m. $8. Visit the band's website at myspace.com/thewakingeyes.

JESSICA SIMPSON: Is it possible this Texas pop singer is known more for her looks than voice? Hmmm. I mean, it couldn't be her acting skills. Oh, well. Jessica's career has reached the Avalon Ballroom of the Niagara Fallsview Resort and Casino. She's performing there Wednesday and Thursday. There may still be tickets, which start at $70. Try Ticketmaster or call 1-877-833-3110.

LUNCH AT ALLEN'S: Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas are four of Canada's best songwriters and storytellers. But when they come together as Lunch At Allen's, they can't be beat. See them Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Fieldcote bandshell in Ancaster (64 Sulphur Springs Rd.). It's free, but please make a donation. Bring a lawn chair.

DON CABALLERO: Progressive rock for the new millennium, Don Caballero is an angular three-piece unit from the unlikely place of Pittsburgh, Pa. Damon Che's insane drumming takes Gene Doyle's guitar and Jason Jouver's bass over the edge. These guys are tight. The band is promoting its latest CD, Punkgasm. See them Wednesday at The Casbah (306 King St. W.). Advance tickets, $12.50. Doors open at 8 p.m.

DREW SMITH is part of a great local indie bill at Club Absinthe, Saturday. Smith is a fine songwriter with an appreciation for English rock a la Radiohead and Coldplay. Also on the bill are The Marble Index (newly expanded and working on several new songs for an upcoming album), In Silent Code and the return of The Deadly Romantics. Club Absinthe is on King Street East, just west of Ferguson Avenue. Doors open at 9 p.m.

-- Graham Rockingham