The Dave Matthews Band will return to John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville this spring for a two-night stand. The band will perform April 17-18, with Old Crow Medicine Show opening both dates. Earlier that week, on April 14, the band will release its first studio album in four years.

It’s taken five years for Fleetwood Mac to regroup from their last tour, so we hope that Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks can make it through next year intact.  The Mac will be back on the road starting in March and stop at the Verizon Center in D.C. at 8 p.m. March 10.  Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday for $49.50-$149.50.

Britney Spears’ gradual return to the spotlight continues next year with a 27-date tour—her first in five years—that stops March 24 in D.C.  The perky performer unveiled her new album, “Circus,“ earlier this week ) and will bring her live act to the Verizon Center with The Pussycat Dolls opening.

Dar Williams will bring her folk-pop to The National on Jan. 26 at 8 p.m., with Josh Radin opening.  Tickets for the show are on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. for $25 reserved front orchestra seating, $20 reserved rear orchestra and balcony seating and $15 general admission standing.  Tickets can be purchased at the venue box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, http://www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (804) 262-8100.

Known as the “LoveableQueen of Mean,“ acerbic comic Lisa Lampanelli will bring her tart observations to The National next year, in the first-ever comedy show at the music club.  Lampanelli will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 23. Reserved seats are $37.75 and are on sale at 10 a.m. Friday.

Industrial rock gods Nine Inch Nails return to the area this fall with a show at John Paul ReznorJones Arena in Charlottesville.