I am only now looking on Pollstar to see what my next show will be. I don't go to as many as I used to back in the early 90's. But it seems back then, there were better shows at better venues to try... I miss the old Cotton Club, Point and Center Stage especially! :)
I've been swamped at work, especially in the evenings, so I had to cancel my first chance to see Snowden... Sad to hear that you're not seeing SY... A friend saw them recently and said they were as wonderful as ever....
Welcome to GA, and hopefully you'll be able to find an oasis of good music amid the dreck listened to here. Going to the Variety Playhouse is a great start!