You know the drill. We hit Labor Day or soon after and Jimmy Buffett, Coldplay, Phish, Dave Matthews and the like all go home or move on to warmer climates.

Suddenly, we go from mass spectacle to a struggle to find anyone playing to more than just a few hundred people. Taylor Swift will in October, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will in December, but those are rarities.

While we got the bulk of the shed tours, more of the big arena shows are skipping us. Clevelanders, for instance, will be choosing from Kiss, Metallica, Miley Cyrus and Springsteen (who already played here this year). Hmm... Miley or Metallica? Why not both!

So, as Joe Strummer once said, what have we got for entertainment?

Club gigs galore -- from the Damned to the Melvins to Social Distortion -- with a smattering of small theater shows, such as Richard Thompson, Bruce Hornsby and the Klezmatics.

Of course, there will be more. Maybe Metallica will change its mind and decide to finally play here. Who knows.

In the meantime, here you go.

SEPTEMBER

TOBY KEITH: Post-Gazette Pavilion, Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. With: Trace Adkins. $65-$25. 1-877-598-8703.

SNOOP DOGG: Mr. Small's, Sept. 11, 11 p.m. Sold out.

CY CURIN: Club Cafe, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. With: Chet Vincent & the Big Bend. $20. 1-866-468-3401.

COWBOY MOUTH: Diesel, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. $13. 1-800-745-3000.

ALICE PEACOCK: Club Cafe, Sept. 12, 7 p.m. $10. 1-866-468-3401.

PUNCHLINE: Mr. Small's, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. With: Farewell, Between the Trees, Action Item. $12. 1-866-468-3401.

KING WILKIE: Thunderbird Cafe, 8 p.m. $8/$10. 1-800-745-3000.

BOZ SCAGGS: Carnegie Library Music Hall, Munhall, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $56-$76. 1-800-745-3000.

DEVON ALLMAN'S HONEYTRIBE: Moondog's, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $16. 1-800-745-3000.

ADRIAN BELEW: Diesel, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $21. 1-800-745-3000.

ALEX UDVARY: Gypsy Cafe, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $35, includes dinner. 412-381-4977.

YARN: Thunderbird Cafe, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. $8-$10. 1-800-745-3000.

POP EVIL: Diesel, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. $12-$14. 1-800-745-3000.

A HAWK AND A HACKSAW: Your Inner Vagabond, Sept. 15, 8 p.m. $10-$12. 412-683-1623.

URGEHAL/SPEARHEAD/EYES OF NOCTUM: 31st St. Pub, Sept. 15, 9 p.m. $10-$12. 412-391-8334.

OUR LADY OF PEACE: Carnegie Library Music Hall, Munhall, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. $22-$25. 412-368-5225.

WAYNE HANCOCK: Diesel, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. With: The Beagle Brothers. $15-$17. 1-800-745-3000.

YOUTH BRIGADE/OFF WITH THEIR HEADS: Belevedere's Lawrenceville, Sept. 16, 8 p.m. $10-$12. 412-687-2555.

CHRIS SMITHER: Club Cafe, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. $18. 1-866-468-3401.

SUNN O))): Mr. Small's, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. With: Eagle Twin. $15. 1-866-468-3401.

JOHN RALSTON/MIKE DUNN & THE KINGS OF NEW ENGLAND: Garfield Artworks, Sept. 17, 8 p.m., $8-$10. 412-361-2262.

JOSHUA RADIN/GARY JULES: Diesel, Sept. 18, 7 p.m. $15. 1-800-745-3000.

MELVINS: Mr. Small's, Sept. 18, 8 p.m. $15. 1-866-468-3401.

SERENGETI/POLYPHONIC: Garfield Artworks, Sept. 18, 8 p.m. $7. 412-361-2262.

DAVID GARRETT: Byham Theater, Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m. $32.50-$20.50. 412-456-6666.

STEVE MOAKLER: Diesel, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. $10-$12. 1-800-745-3000.

DANIEL FRANCIS DOYLE/AFUCHE: Garfield Artworks, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. $7. 412-361-2262.

PAULA POUNDSTONE: Carnegie Library Music Hall, Munhall, Sept. 19, 8 p.m. $37-$27. 1-800-745-3000.

JAMES McMURTRY: Thunderbird Cafe, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., $14/$16. 1-800-745-3000.

SICK OF SARAH/ACTION DESIGN: Diesel, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m. $7. 1-800-745-3000.

SLARAFFENLAND: Garfield Artworks, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. $7. 412-361-2262.

FACE TO FACE: Mr. Small's, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. With: Peg Boy, Polar Bear Club. $22. 1-866-468-3401.

KOFFIN KATS: 31st St. Pub, Sept. 21, 9 p.m. $8-$10. 412-391-8334.

DEAR AND THE HEADLIGHTS: Rex Theatre, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. $10-$12. 412-381-6811.

BUCKETHEAD: Mr. Small's, Sept. 23, 8 p.m. $24. 1-866-468-3401.

LAMB OF GOD/GWAR/JOB FOR A COW­BOY: Amphitheatre at Station Square, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. $35-$38. 1-800-745-3000.

ANTI-FLAG: Club Zoo, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. With: State Radio, Ryan Harvey. $17-$20. 1-800-745-3000.

IVAN PARKER: Washington Church of the Covenant, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Donations.

HOOTS & HELLMOUTH: 31st St. Pub, sept. 24, 8 p.m. $8-$10. 412-391-8334.

BO WAGNER'S RAT PACK: Palace Theatre, Sept. 24, 8 p.m. $25-$40. 724-836-8000.

THE FALL BALL '09 TOUR: Altar Bar, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. Featuring: The Academy Is ..., Mayday Parade. 1-800-745-3000.

MARK MALLMAN: Lava Lounge, Sept. 24, 9 p.m. $6. 412-431-5252.

ROBIN TROWER: Palace Theatre, Sept. 25, 8 p.m. $30-$40. 724-836-8000.

DECIBULLY/EARLY DAY MINERS: Thunderbird Cafe, Sept. 25, 8 p.m. $8-$10. 412-682-0177.

CALLIOPE PRESENTS THE MAVENS: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. $10. 412-361-1915.

BUBBA THE LOVE SPONGE: Palace Theatre, Sept. 26, 9 p.m. $49.95. 1-800-745-3000.

FOREIGNER: PNC Park, Sept. 26. Following Pirates game.

ALL THAT REMAINS: Club Zoo, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. $19-$22. 1-800-745-3000.

RYAN MONTBLEAU BAND: Thunderbird Cafe, Sept. 30, 8 p.m. $10-$12. 1-800-745-3000.

MIKE GORDON: Mr. Small's, Sept. 30, 8 p.m. With: Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey. $20. 1-866-468-3401.

IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE: Altar Bar, Sept. 30, 7 p.m. $15. 412-263-2877.

OCTOBER

TAYLOR SWIFT: Mellon Arena, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. With: Kellie Pickler, Gloriana. $21-$52. 1-800-745-3000.

MCCHRIS Garfield Artworks, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. $412-361-2262.

IN FLAMES: Mr. Small's, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. $28. 1-866-468-3401.

STREET MANIFESTO: Diesel, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. $18-$20. 1-800-745-3000.

LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS: Thunderbird Cafe, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. $12-$14. 1-800-745-3000.

STRYPER: Palace Theatre, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. $25-$30. 1-800-745-3000.

STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO: Diesel, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. $18-$20. 1-800-745-3000.

SHEMEKIA COPELAND: Diesel, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. $30. 1-800-745-3000.

GARY BURTON & NEXT GENERATION BAND: Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Oct. 2-3 8 p.m., Oct. 4 2:30 p.m. $42.50. 412-322-0800.

HONOR SOCIETY: Diesel, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. $15. 1-800-745-3000.

SOCIAL DISTORTION: Ches-A-Rena, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. $30. 1-800-745-3000.

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW: Benedum Center, Oct. 5-6, 8 p.m. $43-$30. 412-456-6666.

TOM RUSSELL: Diesel, Oct. 6, 7:45 p.m. $20. 1-800-745-3000.

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND: Mr. Small's, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. With: Danny Barnes. $22.50. 1-866-468-3401.

DAVID COPPERFIELD: Benedum Center, Oct. 7-8, 5:30 and 8 p.m. $30.25-$50.25. 412-456-6666.

JAMEY JOHNSON: Mr. Small's, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $25. 1-866-468-3401.

UFO: Diesel, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $21. 1-800-745-3000.

BRIDGE NINE RECORDS TOUR: Altar Bar, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. Featuring: Strike Anywhere. With: Polar Bear Club, Crime In Stereo, Ruiner. $12. 1-800-745-3000.

MIKE BIRBIGLIA: Diesel, Oct. 8, 8 p.m. $25. 1-800-745-3000.

NURSES: Thunderbird Cafe, Oct. 8, 10 p.m.; $8-$10; 1-800-745-3000.

MIKE DOUGHTY: Club Cafe, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. and Oct. 9, 10 p.m. $16. 1-866-468-3401.

ELIZABETH AND THE CATAPULT: Thunderbird Cafe, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. $10-$12. 1-800-745-3000.

ROY CLARK: Palace Theatre, Oct. 9, 2 and 8 p.m. $35-$55. 724-836-8000.

YOUTH GROUP: Smiling Moose, Oct. 9, 6:45 p.m. With: Triggers, Vesta. $12. 1-800-745-3000.

OS MUTANTES: Mr. Small's, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $20. 1-866-468-3401.

SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER: New Hazlett Theater, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $25. 1-800-745-3000.

DAVID CROSS: Carnegie Library Music Hall, Munhall, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $25-$30. 412-368-5225.

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS: Diesel, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. $15-$18. 1-800-745-3000.

JER COONS: Thunderbird Cafe, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. $10-$12. 1-800-745-3000.

STEPHEN KELLOGG/CARBON LEAF: Rex Theatre, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. $15. 1-800-745-3000.

BRUCE HORNSBY AND THE NOISEMAKERS: Carnegie Library Music Hall, Munhall, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. $30-$39.50. 412-368-5225.

JOHN TESH: Benedum Center, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. $20.50-$100.50. 412-456-6666.

AFI: Club Zoo, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. With: Gallows. $27.50-$29. 1-800-745-3000.

JESSE MALIN: Thunderbird Cafe, Oct. 11, 8 p.m. $14-$16. 1-800-745-3000.

BARDO POND: Your Inner Vagabond, Oct. 11, 8 p.m. $8. 412-683-1623.

RED ELVISES: Diesel, Oct. 13, 8 p.m. $15-$17. 1-800-745-3000.

CALIFONE: Andy Warhol Museum, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. $12. 412-237-8300.

SONATA ARCTICA: Ches-A-Rena, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. $15. 1-800-745-3000.

MASON JENNINGS: Mr. Small's, Oct. 13, 8 p.m. $12. With: Crash Kings. 1-866-468-3401.

REVOLTING COCKS/JIM ROSE: Ches-A-Rena, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. $15. 1-800-745-3000.

DANCE GAVIN DANCE: Mr. Small's, Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m. With: Of Mice and Men, Tides of Man, Of Machines. $13. 1-866-468-3401.

PEPPER: Mr. Small's, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. $15. 866-468-3401.

GOJIRA: Diesel, Oct. 16, 7 p.m. $14-$16. 1-800-745-3000.

GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA: Palace Theatre, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. $25-$20. 724-836-8000.

THE TRAGICALLY HIP: Byham Theater, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. $29-$39. 412-456-6666.

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS: Mr. Small's, Oct. 16, 8 p.m. $25. 1-866-468-3401.

CALLIOPE PRESENTS THE KLEZMATICS: Carnegie Lecture Hall, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. $38. 412-394-3353.

STEVE MORSE BAND: Diesel, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. $20. 1-800-745-3000.

LADO, THE NATIONAL DANCE FOLK ENSEMBLE OF CROATIA: Benedum Center, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. $32.50-$20.50. 412-456-6666.

SOULFLY: Diesel, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Also: Prong, Cattle Decapitation, Mutiny Within. $23-$25. 1-800-745-3000.

CELTIC THUNDER: Heinz Hall, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. $45-$65. 412-392-4900.

BROKENCYDE: Diesel, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. With: Kill Paradise, The Read Set. $12-$14. 1-800-745-3000.

EDDIE MONEY: Palace Theatre, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. $30-$40. 1-800-745-3000.

REVOLVER MAGAZINE TOUR: Diesel, Oct. 22, 7 p.m. $10-$12. 1-800-745-3000.

GALACTIC: Mr. Small's, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. $20. 1-866-468-3401.

THE DAMNED: Diesel, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. $20-$23. 1-800-745-3000.

BO BURNHAM: Carnegie Music Hall, Munhall, Oct. 24, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $21. 1-800-745-3000.

DISCO EXPLOSION: Pepsi Roadhouse, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. With: Tavares, The Trammps, Evelyn Champagne King. $68-$88. 724-947-1900.

GENE THE WEREWOLF: Diesel, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. $10-$12. 1-800-745-3000.

ATTACK ATTACK!: Mr. Small's Funhouse, Millvale, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. $13.50. 1-866-468-3401.

SILVERSUN PICKUPS: Ches-A-Rena, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. $28-$30. 1-800-745-3000.

LOUD & RICH: LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III & RICHARD THOMPSON: Carnegie Library Music Hall, Munhall, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. $25-$35. 1-800-745-3000.

KELLER WILLIAMS: Mr. Small's, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. $22. 1-866-468-3401.

RAILROAD EARTH: Mr. Small's, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. $20. 1-866-468-3401.

DOO WOP OLDIES: Palace Theatre, Oct 29, 8 p.m. Featuring: Charlie Thomas' Drifters, Terry Johnson's Flamingos, The Marcels. $30-$50. 724-836-8000.

PHIL VASSAR: Pepsi Roadhouse, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. $59-$79. 724-947-1900.

KEB MO: Palace Theatre, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. $35-$40. 724-836-8000.

SENSES FAIL: Mr. Small's, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. With: A Skylit Drive. 1-866-468-3401.

HYPNOTIC CLAMBAKE: Thunderbird Cafe, Oct. 31, 9 p.m. $14-$16. 1-800-745-3000.

NOVEMBER

STATE RADIO: Mr. Small's, Nov. 3, 8 p.m. $15. 1-866-468-3401.

ATREYU: Ches-A-Rena. Nov. 4, 7 p.m.; $25; ticketweb.com.

INGRID MICHAELSON: Mr. Small's, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. $15. 1-866-468-3401.

TESLA: Palace Theatre, Nov. 6, 8 p.m. $25-$32.50. 1-800-745-3000.

BRIAN WILSON: Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead, Nov. 6, 8 p.m., $76 and $56. 412-368-5225.

THE GET UP KIDS: Mr. Small's, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. With: Kevin Devine, The Life and Times. $22. 1-866-468-3401.

CALLIOPE PRESENTS JILL SOBULE/KELLY JOE PHELPS: Carnegie Lecture Hall, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. $35. 412-394-3353.

HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL: Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Nov. 7, 8 p.m., Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m. $42.50. 412-322-0800.

WPA: Diesel, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Featuring: Glen Phillips, Sara & Sean Watkins. $15-$18. 1-800-745-3000.

SKA IS DEAD IV: Mr. Small's, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m. Featuring: The Toasters, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Deal's Gone Bad. $12. 1-866-468-3401.

STANLEY JORDAN & JAKE SHIMABUKURO: Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Nov. 13, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $42.50. 412-322-0800.

ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS/TAKING BACK SUNDAY: St. Vincent College, Latrobe. Nov. 13, 8 p.m. $25; $20 students. 1-800-745-3000.

SINBAD: Palace Theatre, Nov. 13, 8 p.m. $30-$35. 1-800-745-3000.

MICHAEL AMANTE: Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti, Carnegie Music Hall, Munhall, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. $29.50-$39.50. 1-800-745-3000.

ALTERNATIVE PRESS TOUR: With The Academy Is..., Mayday Parade, Set Your Goals. Altar Bar, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. $15. 1-800-745-3000.

TIM REYNOLDS AND TR3: Hard Rock Cafe, Nov. 19. $12/$14. 412-481-7625.

THE WIYOS: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., $15/$17. 412-394-3353.

THE PINE LEAF BOYS: Thunderbird Cafe, Nov. 20, 8 p.m. $13-$15. 1-800-745-3000.

ARI HEST: Thunderbird Cafe, Nov. 28, 8 p.m. $14-$16; 1-800-745-3000.

AMERICAN REVIVAL TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC: Byham Theater, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. $27.50-$32.50. 412-456-6666.

BIG D & THE KIDS TABLE: Diesel, Nov. 27, 7 p.m. $13-$15. 1-800-745-3000.

DECEMBER

LEE GREENWOOD CHRISTMAS SHOW: Palace Theatre, Dec. 2, 2 and 8 p.m. $30-$50. 724-836-8000.

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER CHRISTMAS SHOW: Palace Theatre, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. $45-$75. 724-836-8000.

B.E. TAYLOR CHRISTMAS: Heinz Hall, Dec. 4-5, 7:30 p.m. $29-$49. 412-392-4900.

CALLIOPE PRESENTS THE EBONY HILLBILLIES: Carnegie Lecture Hall, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. $35. 412-394-3353.

INSANE CLOWN POSSE: Club Zoo, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. $30. 1-800-745-3000.

REGINA CARTER'S REVERSE THREAD: August Wilson Center, Dec. 12, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $42.50. 412-322-0800.

HIGHMARK HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH CHRIS BOTTI: Heinz Hall, Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. 412-322-0800.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: Palace Theatre, Dec. 16, 2 and 8 p.m. $20-$30. 724-836-8000.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: Mellon Arena, Dec. 16, 3 and 8 p.m. $26.25-$57.50. 1-800-745-3000.

DUKE ELLINGTON'S BEGGAR'S HOLIDAY: Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $42.50. 412-322-0800.