NEW YORK — Whether it’s being encased in an egg or wearing slabs of meat, there’s never a question of whether Lady Gaga will make a spectacle of herself at an awards show — the question is just what kind. So when the MTV Video Music Awards came around this year, Gaga didn’t disappoint. Though she dressed somewhat conservatively in short black hair, a dingy white t-shirt, a black blazer and pants, it was whom she embodied that made headlines — a man, whom she called Jo Calderone. The temporary gender switch marked yet another act in Gaga’s strange pop odyssey.

All-girl metal band Kittie to perform at Jake’s Saturday Well-known metal band Kittie began as a group of pre-teen and teenage girls getting together to play music in a basement in the ’90s. Fifteen years later, the Canadian quartet continues to make unique heavy metal music. They’re touring the United States and branching out to discover a more serious, somber side, which is displayed in the group’s sixth studio album, “I’ve Failed You.” And they’re not looking back.

The past year has found house concerts in Lubbock becoming extremely popular and successful. They offer a chance for fans and newcomers to hear gifted singer-songwriters perform mostly original material in an intimate, private setting. The ticket price usually is $20, and all of each night’s revenue goes directly to the artists; the home owners do not collect a fee. The two producers generally can allow 50 to 60 people in their homes; more can attend the Rockin’ Box 33 events that are moved to the back yard when the weather is pleasant.

Sometimes, all it takes to recover from the workweek is a cold drink, a few friends, a dance floor and live country music. You can find all this at The Red Zone, 6624 I-27, Friday night, where Lubbock band Your Brother’s Uncle will provide the required country music. Specializing in classic, modern and Texas country, the band has entertained crowds in Lubbock and on the South Plains for 20 years, according to drummer Kevin Goodgion. As their Facebook page describes them: “the band consists of two brothers, a nephew, and a brother from another mother.”