The concert thaw begins in earnest with news of some big shows on the way.

According to their official website, immensely popular pop punk band Green Day has a show booked for the Saddledome on May 20.

The show is part of the tour to support the trio's Grammy-nominated CD American Idiot, which topped many best-of lists for the year 2004.

Expect an official announcement in the next two weeks with tickets going on sale the last week in February.

In other news, Las Vegas retro rockers The Killers also have Calgary in their sights. The band has a concert booked for April 27 at the U of C's MacEwan Hall.

The Killers are riding high thanks to their debut Hot Fuss, which has yielded charting singles such as Mr. Brightside, as well as a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live.

An official announcement is pending.

And finally, Sun sources reveal 50 Cent protege and chart-topping Compton rapper The Game will be making a stop in Calgary. The reported date is March 12, at an uncomfirmed venue.

Look for more information next week.

The Game's debut The Documentary is the most talked about hip hop CD of 2005.