I was all hunkered down on the sofa and preparing to write this column.

Bathrobe, yes.

Warm fuzzy socks, yes.

Quilt, yes.

M&M's, yes.

Sleeping cat, yes.

Notebook, yes.

Music to write about, no.

As I was flipping through my pages of notes I realized that I had not seen any music in the last two weeks.

Quite honestly, there is not much that could make me leave my house on a freezing cold night at 9:00 in the evening. Chad Mills is one of them. I got dressed and headed out. When I say dressed, I mean jeans and a sweater over my pj's. I meant to put on boots, but forgot in my rush. I was horrified to look down at the bar to see that I was wearing my patent leather Danskos with fuzzy pink socks. Essentially, I was wearing my taking-out-the-trash outfit.

I've been wanting to check out a Soundman Dan show, I'm a big Chad Mills fan, I have a new digital camera that I was anxious to use, and I needed something to write about.

Chad had already started by the time I got to Rock Lobster. He played songs from his CD, 2 Places @ Once, and new songs. I'm a big fan of Chad's songwriting. He is also a great singer. He played his song "Rainstorm & Thunder" about a homeless man that he sees on his way to in to work (Chad is an engineer by day). The lyrics hit close to home on that cold night.

The song made me appreciate the fact that I even owned fuzzy socks.

Ryan Ahlwardt was up next, and he was amazing. He's young (25-ish, I would guess) but his songs and style remind me of a more mature performer. And in checking out his Web site, he has been playing a lot, for a long time. He was a crowd favorite at IU, and he's toured extensively since then. He played with drummer Darnell Perkins. It was the perfect sound for that room. I'm looking forward to hearing more of him, but I couldn't stay for his whole set. I had to work the next morning and, well, I'm old.

You can next see Chad on February 15th at Birdy's with Chicago's Fair June.

Ryan will be playing February 16th at the Upper Room.

I've been a big fan of Soundman Dan for quite a while. I often see music alone, and tend to hang out by the soundboard during shows. Dan always makes me feel welcome, and more importantly he makes the musicians sound good. Dan books live music at Rock Lobster on Wednesday and Thursday nights. He's created a great cozy room to hear music, and is bringing great local and national music to Broad Ripple. St. Louis's J Boozer is playing February 8th. A blurb from his Web site: "Drumming with his feet while strumming the guitar with his hands, his comical show is crammed with pulling random people out of the audience to having a drum off with members of other bands playing that night." Yikkes. Check out the complete schedule on the Rock Lobster Web site (address below).

It was worth leaving the house just to hear the music, but I was also anxious to use my new camera. I have the official title of being the absolute worst photographer on the Gazette staff. Any photograph you see with me credited as the photographer has been well-doctored by Alan. Sometimes I send him stuff just so he can have a good laugh.

I finally bought a new camera, one that was supposed to be good for low light. I proudly took it out of my pocket to snap pictures and the battery was dead. Apparently I'd taken too many photos of my cat, PEZ collection and kneecaps the night before. So, for at least two more weeks, I'm still the worst photographer on the staff. It did not occur to me to buy batteries next door at the Rock and a Hard Place general store. I guess I don't get the title of the smartest columnist either.

I can't think of a more romantic way to spend Valentine's Day then at the Jazz Kitchen listening to Bill Lancton. Dave Allee promises dinner specials. It sold out last year, so make your reservations now.

Dog Talk does Fat Tuesday like no one else. A horn section and a dancing girl (Lulu) in a cage-all on a float. The Jazz Kitchen will have all of the goodies: king cake, hurricanes, Creole dinner specials and beads. Be sure to toss Lulu lots of beads as she's dancing.

Two shows, both non-smoking. If you're giving up cigarettes for Lent, this will be a good start.