Grab your Valentine or get out and find one at these local music events this month. Like a heart-shaped box of candies, there’s a show for everyone’s taste, including a local hip-hop party, a showcase of some of the best local songwriters on one bill, two benefits with a parade of local bands for different causes at each, an experimental-leaning electronic music residency and plenty more. Show your love for local artists and check out one or all of these shows this month.

Camel Jam Residency at The Comet Experimental electronic artist Camel Jam blends the sounds of early-era electronic music with bright melodies and immediate, catchy and danceable rhythm. The residency features appearances from a who’s who of like-minded locals, such as contemplative ambient musician Umin, cellist Planchette, forward-thinking electro-pop singer and songwriter Sappha, synth sound architect Fritz Pape and many more every Tuesday over the course of the month. “I wanted to book people that have either inspired me or that have guided me on my path on this journey so far,” Camel Jam told CityBeat. “It was critical to me that each invitee brings something that I may draw inspiration from. I know and care deeply about each performer in this residency. My hope is to curate something special and memorable.” The full lineup consists of Mr. Watt, 8OH20, Star Silk and AJ Dallas on Feb. 4 followed by Fox the Paradox, MC Freeman, Senseless, Robot Juice, Danbient and Sappha on Feb. 11, Deniz Ozani, Max Vignola FC, Planchette, Sarah Gorak and Innerspace Collective Feb. 18 and UFH Backdrop, Nineball, Blood Puppet, Umin and Fritz Pape for Feb. 25. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside, instagram.com. Photo: Scott Beseler
Marsha Residency at MOTR Pub Another recurring event this month will feature newer locals Marsha appearing with guests on Wednesdays at MOTR Pub all month long. The all-female trio will welcome local greats like the expertly executed blend of rock and roll and pop from Madqueen, multi-instrumentalist Paige Beller and local garage rock queen Roxie Daredevil, along with touring artists passing through.9 p.m. Wednesdays. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com. Photo: Provided by band
The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is releasing their first CD. Photo: Via CCJO Facebook
Tweens In-Store at Shake It Records Local record store/institution Shake It Records continues the celebration for their 25th anniversary with Tweens performing with the full band amongst the candy-color walls lined with every music lover’s wants and needs. The series of in-store performances to celebrate the store/label’s 25th anniversary have featured local favorites Maura Weaver, Jay Hill of Patterns of Chaos and The Dummy Ups over the last few weeks, adding to the Shake It’s past in-store performances from local luminaries and legends. The 25th birthday celebration is set to conclude with Record Store Day on April 20. 7 p.m. April 13. Free. Shake It Records, 4156 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Photo: Morgan Winston
Jess Lamb and Friends Jam Session at MOTR Pub Celebrated local singer/songwriter Jess Lamb is often backed by her band of collaborators and friends with guests stepping in and out. With this event, dubbed a jam session, the band should be all the livelier for it. Lamb’s powerful and emotive songwriting and perfomances, informed by contemporary pop, R&B and classic singer-songwriter energy, fills the room with its given meaning and feeling all propelled by her driving voice and energy. Lamb is an instructor on songwriting for the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, as well as the Grammy Recording Academy. Consider this a free lesson. 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com. Photo: Taylor Hughes
Toon Town, Sarah and the Safe Word (Atlanta), Everybody’s Worried About Owen (Miami) and Machinery of the Human Heart (New Jersey) at The Comet Local trio Toon Town has a sound informed by American music, rock and roll, blues, a touch of jazz and cabaret — a sound as varied and murky as the junkyard of culture we all inherit, reminiscent of neon lights, crossroads and smoke-filled rooms. They appear with Sarah and the Safe Word out of Atlanta, Everybody’s Worried About Owen from Miami and Machinery of the Human Heart on tour from New Jersey. 8 p.m. Feb. 13. $10. The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside Photo: facebook.com/toontownmusic
KISS Off! at Southgate House Revival This one-night-only yearly fundraiser features local musicians and KISS fans who come together to raise money for local Newport venue Southgate House Revival’s expenses. There will be a costume contest and performances from over a dozen groups performing KISS classics and deep cuts alike. Professional concert photographer Steve Ziegelmeyer captures the energy and camaraderie each year. 8 p.m. Feb. 13. $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., Newport, southgatehouse.com. Photo: © Steve Ziegelmeyer
Poor Little Critters and The No Not Yets at Northside Tavern Poor Little Critters is a new(ish) group of local music veterans, featuring members of The Dolly Daredevils and Siren Suit. The group is fronted by married couple Francis Popsil and Roxie Daredevil who share vocals — often simultaneously — and sing songs full of poetic rock and roll. They appear with another crew of longtime local greats The No Not Yets. Feb. 16. Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Photo: Allee Thompson
Mol Ball at Northside Tavern This birthday celebration and fundraising event in the name of local artist Mol Sullivan (pictured) will feature friends and fellow musicians and serve as a birthday party for Sullivan while also raising funds for a charity of her choice, the Queen City Clubhouse, which helps people with mental illness find community and fulfillment. The event will feature performances from Jess Lamb and the Factory, Young Heirlooms, Brianna Kelly, Stephen Patota, Anna Applegate, Tiffee and more. Also, Sullivan and her band will be performing later in the month, on Aug. 31, for a homecoming after an extensive East Coast and Midwest tour. In addition to Sullivan and her band, the Aug. 31 lineup will feature local harpist Victoria Lekson and like-minded New York experimental folk artist Katy Pinke. 8 p.m. Aug. 3. $8 (option to donate more). Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, northsidetav.com. Photo: Alexzandra Roy
Sons of Silverton, Brandon Isaac, DJ Rare Groove and Noahimean at MOTR Pub This concert features some of the poster children for Cincinnati hip-hop, with local essentials Sons of Silverton headlining. “There’s a pretty diverse mix of sounds coming from the city right now,” the duo says of the current state of Cincinnati hip-hop. “Thankfully the venues are way more open to hip-hop as a whole and it’s allowing for more artists to be seen.” Sons of Silverton has been a top-bill hip-hop act for a matter of years. “We are definitely the elder statesmen in the scene but we love the culture and love performing which plays a major factor in why we keep making music.” The lineup also features experimental hip-hop with a touch of soul from Brandon Isaac, along with local master MC Vibe-One, DJ Rare Groove and Noahimean spinning records before and after live sets. 9:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Free. MOTR Pub, 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com. Photo: Andrew Doench