Looking out the window at a landscape that's gray, featureless and unseasonably mild is hardly inspiring when it comes to filling a page with brilliant prose. Nevertheless, such is my cross to bear, so this week, here are some tidbits of news to add a little silver lining to that overcast sky.

* * * * *

Those still reeling after a whirlwind of incredible shows at Track 29 recently might breathe a sigh of relief at the lack of bookings listed on the venue's website for the coming months. The rest of us, however, could be forgiven for worrying whether that initial flood was just a fluke.

Have no fear (or maybe a little if you're in the former group), however, because venue co-owner Adam Kinsey said the January slump is nothing new and certainly nothing to worry about.

"Most bands take January off," Kinsey explained. "If you look at other venues around the Southeast, they're all pretty quiet in January. [Asheville, N.C.'s] The Orange Peel is actually doing a couple of cover bands in January just to have bands in the room."

While he wasn't prepared to name names, Kinsey said he has many confirmed acts that will be announced in February and dozens of offers out for bands planning their spring tours. March, April and May, he said, should be "extremely busy."

Kinsey also hinted that Track 29 will soon gain secondary use as an event space for local groups when not being used for shows. Details should soon be forthcoming, for instance, on a privately organized event with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera to be held March 31.

* * * * *

Say what you will about Chattanooga's music scene, but at least we've got a sense of class when it comes to naming -- at least some -- of our bands.

Our sideshow isn't just a plain Jane sideshow; it's mighty. Our Binkley Brothers aren't those old, stodgy (and more importantly deceased) Binkley Brothers; they're brand spanking new. Our bordis isn't one of those cheap bordises that sits there doing ... whatever a run-of-the-mill bordis does; ours glows.

Similarly, you have to admire that the Scenic City has not one but two bands, The Cadillac Saints and The Black Cadillacs, trading on the reputation of an American automaker whose name is intrinsically associated with luxury.

Tonight, you'll have ample opportunity to see if the Scenic City Cadillacs live up to their namesake when they take the stage at JJ's Bohemia, 231 M.L. King Blvd., at 9 p.m. Entrance to this musical auto show is just $5.

* * * * *

If you don't get enough of a flashback to '70s/'80s nautical-influenced fashion through "Miami Vice" reruns, prepare to undo a button or two and flash some chest hair because Yacht Rock Schooner is docking once more at Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St., on Feb. 3.

Arguably one of the best (and most humorously self-aware) tribute bands out there, the Atlanta-based soft rockers will perform covers of Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and more. Cover will be $10, but you're in charge of providing your own polyester slacks and deck shoes.