Thursday-

It’s what one could call the Coachella of folk music, and this year it’s in San Diego. The 16th annual Folk Alliance Conference is a four-day event involving all things folk — everything from music to workshops and lectures. Folksters from all over the country will be present to perform. Keep in mind tickets are a bit steep ($180 to $480 for Folk Alliance members and $240 to $560 for nonmembers). Folk Alliance takes place at Town & Country Resort and Convention Center and runs through Feb. 29. For more information, visit http://www.folk.org.

Friday-

Just miss snagging a ticket to the sold-out Strokes show? Settle for the next-best thing with the Stereotypes, the local rockers who have gained notoriety for 1, their debut release. With energetic guitar riffs and lyrics that remind the audience that they’re in Southern California (where else would a band sing about girls in short-shorts?), the Stereotypes play at Martini Ranch in Encinitas. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, call (760) 943-9101.

Saturday-

Bill Hicks’ style of humor can best be summed up with his quote, “I don’t mean to sound bitter, cold or cruel, but I am, so that’s how it comes out.” The comedian had an opinion on everything from Waffle House waitresses to United States’ foreign policy. Hicks may have passed away ten years ago, but his legend lives on with the tribute festival “Remembering Bill Hicks,” an event that features a “rant off,” new comedic talent and rare footage of Hicks himself. The event begins at 8 p.m. at the Comedy Store. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. For more information, call (858) 454-9176.

Black History Month is coming to an end, which means it’s time for San Diego Repertory Theatre’s annual celebration of black culture with the 12th annual Kuumba Fest — Exposed Roots, Majestic, Proud & Glorified. The event features two original gospel choirs, a hip-hop showcase and a dance competition. The three-day event is a celebration of black heritage. Tickets range from $7 to $15. For more information, call (619) 544-1000.

Sunday-

Stuck without a car, but can’t resist hot dance acts? “From Broadway to Ballet: Eighth-Week Cabaret” is the solution. This free on-campus event takes place in UCSD Dance Studio 3 and presents two nights of dance. The performance on Feb. 27 will feature classical and disco ballet, modern dance and Broadway numbers, while the performance on Feb. 28 is a blend of ballet and modern dance. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Monday-

For it’s fifth year, Side A/Side B returns to San Diego. The show presents original music that was written specifically for the performance. Past shows have included unqiue pieces that combine elements of punk with hip-hop and big band and heavy metal with chorales. The show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact [email protected].

The California Ballet brings the classic story of love and enchantment to life with its production of “Swan Lake” at San Diego Civic Theatre. The ballet tells the story of the bewitched Swan Queen Odette who meets the young Prince Siegfried who can only take human form at night. In order to break her from the spell, Siegfried vows to declare his love for her at midnight, only to face more obstacles. “Swan Lake” plays through Feb. 29, so get tickets quickly. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Feb. 28 and 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 29. Tickets are $29 to $75. For more information, call (858) 560-6741.

Rufus Wainwright’s operatic singing style, old-school piano-based songwriting and extravagant stage presence have earned him both a devoted following and attention from casual listeners. Whether you fall into the devotee or casual listener category, Wainwright’s personality and talent should endear him to listeners for years to come. In support of his latest offering Want One, Wainwright will play at 4th & B. Tickets are $20 in advance and $22.50 at the show. The show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, call (619) 231-4343.

In 1995, 311’s self-titled album went triple-platinum and the band sold out venues across the country. Now, they’re back on tour. With a style that’s a mesh of reggae, hip-hop and rock, 311 will hit the road to regain waning popularity. The band will play at RIMAC Arena, when local favorite Pepper opens. Tickets are $27.50. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (619) 220-TIXS.

Ever since her debut on the pop-music scene, Britney Spears has been the subject of odd fascination. She’s grown from pop princess to wannabe pop-vixen with her latest album In the Zone, an album chock full of upbeat dance tunes like “Toxic.” On tour now to promote this new image and new album, Spears will perform at San Diego Sports Arena along with Kelis and newcomer Skye Sweetnam. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40.55 to $66. For more information, call (619) 220-TIXS.

Tuesday-

What do you get when you combine roller skates and a love story about trains? “Starlight Express,” Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical about three trains who are competing with love and inner strength. “Starlight Express” plays at San Diego Civic Theatre. Show times vary. Tickets are $22 to $60. For more information, call (619) 220-TIXS.