Phish

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21

Where: U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati

Cost: $50

More info: (513) 562-4949 or www.usbankarena.com

The scoop: Phish released its 14th album, “Joy,” in September, marking the band’s return since disbanding four years ago.

Verdict: Phish is the ultimate genre-bending band, exploring rock, jazz, progressive, psychedelic, bluegrass, funk, reggae, blues, country and classical. This band is famously fan-friendly, and improvisational to the point where no two shows are the same.

Worth the trip?: When Jerry Garcia passed away in the mid-1990s, Phish was the band to whom community-minded rock fans turned to fill the gap.

AbsolutePunk.net tour, The Academy Is....

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20

Where: Southgate House, 24 E. Third St., Newport, Ky.

Cost: $8 (advance), $10 (day of show)

More info: (859) 431-2201 or www.southgatehouse.com.

The scoop: There are big doings at Southgate House this weekend. In the parlor, we have the AbsolutePunk.net Tour, which includes Mercy Mercedes, The Dangerous Summer, Between the Trees and Single File. In the ballroom, we have the popular rock band The Academy Is....

Verdict: AbsolutePunk.net is a Web site and online community devoted to bands who are unknown to mainstream audiences. AbsolutePunk.net bands who went on to bigger things include Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Relient K.

Worth the trip?: The Academy Is... is a Warped Tour favorite full of happy pop culture references. The band’s third and latest album is called “Fast Times at Barrington High.”

Megadeth with Machine Head

When: 6:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20

Where: The Madison Theater, 728 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky.

Cost: $38.50

More info: (859) 491-2444 or www.madisontheateronline.com.

The Scoop: This classic speed metal band released its 12th album, “Endgame,” last September to glowing reviews.

Verdict: Megadeth was one of the Big Four thrash metal bands of the 1980s (the others were Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer). To date, Megadeth is second only to Metallica in sales, to vocalist (and ex-Metallica guitarist) Dave Mustaine’s eternal bitterness.

Worth the trip?: With songs like “The Conjuring,” “Hook in Mouth” and “Peace Sells,” Megadeth was known for its instrumental experimentation and socially provocative themes.

Victory of Light Expo

When: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22

Where: Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati

Cost: $12 per day, $20 for both days

More Info: (513) 771-7744 or www.victoryoflight.com

The Scoop: This is one of the largest mind-body-spirit conventions in the U.S. designed for the general public.

Verdict: There will be more than 50 seminars on spiritual and holistic healing.

Worth the trip?: For those interested in parapsychology and psychic development, or just anyone suspicious of what fast-food everything is doing to us.

“Hair”

When: Through Saturday, Nov. 21 — Thursday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Where: CCM Village, College-Conservatory of Music (Emery Hall), Cincinnati

Cost: $15-$28

More Info: (513) 556-5000 or www.ccm.uc.edu

The Scoop: This seminal piece of musical theater reflecting the turbulent 1960s defined the “rock musical” genre.

Verdict: Milos Forman (“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Amadeus”) directed the film version starring Treat Williams.

Worth the trip?: “Hair” was controversial in its day for its racially integrated cast, its frank portrayals of sexuality and drug use, its anti-Vietnam stance, and, most notoriously, its onstage nudity.

Rhythm in Shoes

When: 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21

Where: The Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati

Cost: $22 to $27

More Info: (513) 977-4123 or www.cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff

The Scoop: This Dayton-based dance company is conducting its final touring season.

Verdict: RIS has toured across the country and overseas, specializing in traditional American genres of dance, including swing, tap, hoedowns and clogging.

Worth the trip?: This may be your last chance to see RIS in a different venue, the grandest that Cincinnati has to offer.