Our frozen tundra of a region may have scared off some touring entertainers last winter.

But the sun has returned, the weather has warmed and this spring break is going to heat up with a week of live music, stand-up comedians and swing dancing to keep you busy Monday through Friday. All events have an affordable cover charge and are within driving distance from Kent.

Monday, 3/29

Who: Bear Hands

Where: Musica (51 E. Market St. in Akron)

Cost: $10

Why: Still sun burnt from their performances at South by Southwest last week, Brooklyn’s Bear Hands will bring their brand of Modest Mouse-influenced indie rock to the Rubber City.

“It’s party time,” said bassist Val Loper. “We are playing a bunch of new songs and getting drunk.”

Afterward, you might run into them at Swenson’s Drive-In – their favorite local restaurant.

“Those burgers are serious,” said Loper.

More info: www.akronmusica.com

Tuesday, 3/30

Who: A Night of Unrated Stand-up Comedy

Where: Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Rd. in Cleveland)

Cost: $5

Why: Presented by local media upstart The Independent newspaper, the Beachland Tavern will host four regional comedians including Joe Howard, who you may have seen open for Artie Lange.

More info: www.beachlandballroom.com

Wednesday, 3/31

Who: Little Dragon with opening band The Sleeps

Where: The Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Hts. Blvd. in Cleveland)

Cost: $12

Why: The lo-fi disco outfit Little Dragon will be making a stop in town all the way from Sweden. Cleveland’s very own electropop trio The Sleeps will open the show with their first performance of the year.

“There may be a few secrets unveiled [in] this live set of exciting things to come,” said singer/guitarist/keyboardist David Sleeps.

More info: www.grogshop.gs

Thursday, 4/1

Who: Swing Night

Where: Cedar’s Lounge (131 W. Commerce St. in Youngtown)

Cost: Free

Why: Flashback to the past for Cedar’s weekly Swing Night where 1930s attire is encouraged and dancing shoes are a must. Best of all, Cedar’s offers Depression era pricing: It’s free to get in.

More info: www.myspace.com/cedarslounge

Friday, 4/2

Who: MasterMind Productions Presents

Where: The Robin Hood (503 E. Main St. in Kent)

Cost: $5

Why: MasterMind Productions will be putting together a diverse bill of local artists in a mix tape format they call “Mix Tape Sessions.”

From the hardcore sounds of Surrender Your Salvation to the rapper Bren’tel, this show – with a whopping lineup of nine performances – will have a little something for everyone.

More info: www.myspace.com/robinhoodbarandgrille

Contact features correspondent Ryan Sheridan at [email protected].