Dane says: Grandma's Sports Garden is the best (only?) place to be Jan. 29

We say: Grandma's Sports Garden is, once again, extending a helping hand to some of our area and state's most promising bands. Like the Making History Rock Show held there last February -- which featured Forfend, Cities Never Sleep, Jamestown Story and Sing It Loud -- the Minnesota Music Young Talent Showcase scheduled for Jan. 29 is all about connecting fresh-faced concertgoers to the up-and-coming outfits they've befriended on MySpace. This year's event, which is being promoted by Jamestown Story mastermind Dane Schmidt, includes seven (mostly) local bands: Cities Never Sleep and Jamestown Story are back, and they'll be joined by Take Cover, First Class Failure, Fight the Odds, Mikey Talented and Farewell Continental, Motion City Soundtrack singer Justin Pierre's new side project. Should be quite a show.

Dane says: "Basically this is probably the only thing going on that night, so why not come check it out! Plus, I'll be wearing tight spandex."

We say: Anyway.... [Long, confused pause] It's time to use your proverbial Etch A Sketch and wipe that disturbing image from your mind, because Dane's going to give us his play-by-play for the night's performers:

Jamestown Story

We say: Despite the fact that Jamestown Story is now a one-man band (former members include Sing It Loud's Kieren Smith and Cities Never Sleep's Pat Tarnowski), Dane Schmidt's songwriting has never sounded as confident as it does now. Witness this "new" sound on the recently released "Love vs. Life," which features an emo-riffic cover of the Eddie Money/Ronnie Spector staple "Take Me Home Tonight."

Dane says: "Acoustic fun for everyone. Here to make you cry!"

You be the judge: www.myspace.com/jamestownstory

Cities Never Sleep

We say: Cities Never Sleep have come a long way in 11 months. This local outfit only made its live debut last February at the aforementioned Making History Rock Show, but they're already busy rockin' steady all over the Midwest. And, bonus, the group's MySpace features four fully realized tracks (EP coming soon!) that will appeal to fans of the bustling pop rock genre.

Dane says: "Great stuff, great dudes! Their live show gets better every time!"

You be the judge: www.myspace.com/citiesneversleep

Take Cover

We say: From the show at Grandma's Sports Garden, these Twin Cities kids will join Dane Schmidt/Jamestown Story for a healthy jaunt -- dubbed, cheekily, the Breaking New Year's Resolutions Tour -- that will take them as far away from home as New York City. Like Cities Never Sleep, this five-piece specializes in radio-ready pop rock.

Dane says: "Just as the name says: take cover. These guys won't stop for anyone -- even your mom."

You be the judge: www.myspace.com/takecoverofficial

Farewell Continental

We say: The last-minute inclusion of this group is definitely a boon for Motion City Soundtrack fans: Farewell Continental is the somewhat-secretive side project of MCS's lead singer, Justin Pierre, and (reportedly) members of Small Towns Burn a Little Slower and To Reinvent. And, given that the one track they've previewed online so far, "Do You Wanna Tangle," evokes the Rentals circa "Seven More Minutes," this group's Duluth debut will definitely be worth your seven bucks.

Dane says: "I've never seen these guys live, but I've heard they are swell. Looking forward to catching their set!"

You be the judge: www.myspace.com/farewellcontinental

First Class Failure

We say: A Duncan Sheik for the MySpace set, Grant Murray's live-in-his-living-room video podcasts are every bit as earnest and heartfelt as the "Dawson's Creek" soundtracks he's too young to have grown up listening to.

Dane says: "Another band I haven't seen live, but they've been promoting the show like crazy and I'm quite impressed with their work ethic."

You be the judge: www.myspace.com/firstclassfailure

Fight the Odds!

We say: Formerly known as Defenestrating Holly, this Northland group has a funny way of describing its sound: "Determined to fuse the unfuseable gap between ska and metalcore ... FTO is a mix between emotional melodical vocals, crunching and clean guitars, sexy bass riffs and double bass metal drumming." Rock on, scubatron!

Dane says: "Another hard-working band ready to make a name for themselves. Haven't seen them live, since they are pretty new, but I'll be checking them out on the 29th!"

You be the judge: www.myspace.com/fighttheodds218

Mikey Talented

We say: Like their buddies in Coal Car Caboose, this ska-infused Zenith City outfit is all about the good times. Unless one of its members steals your girlfriend, don't expect this group to make you cry anytime soon.

Dane says: "Old friends and great dudes! Totally different style of music compared to everyone else on the bill, which I think gives the show some variety. Always fun to catch their set!"

You be the judge: http://www.myspace.com/mikeytalented

NEWS TO USE
The Minnesota Music Young Talent Showcase, which will be held at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors) Jan. 29 at Grandma's Sports Garden, is an all ages show and unique opportunity for all to see what's happening on the music scene. Tickets available at the Sports Garden or from any of the performing bands. Cost is $6 advance/$7 at the door.