Running the gamut of genres from alternative, indie, hardcore, classical, jazz, Celtic, folk and more, 2000 boasts a diverse lineup of entertainment in central Iowa and beyond.

As the schedule takes shape throughout the semester, turn to High Note for the latest concert dates and live entertainment opportunities.

But in the meantime, here’s your concert survival guide for spring semester 2000:

January

Leo Kottke 8 p.m. Saturday at Hoyt Sherman Auditorium in Des Moines, $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Folk legend and Athens, Ga., native Leo Kottke makes his return to central Iowa after his latest solo guitar record, 1999’s “One Guitar, No Vocals.”

Kottke has been making music since the late ’60s, frequenting Ames venues like the Maintenance Shop for years, but this time he plays the new Hoyt Sherman Auditorium in Des Moines.

Kid Rock 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Mark in Moline, Ill., $25.

Fresh off opening for Metallica in Chicago over break, rap rocker Kid Rock hits the Quad Cities in this recently added show. It’s just a three hour drive to Moline. Ozzfest favorites Sevendust open.

Korn will make an appearance at the Quad Cities venue on March 13, with ticket details to be announced later.

Moscow Chamber Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Stephens Auditorium, $10 to $30.

Constantine Orbelian directs this world renowned orchestra, which plans to perform pieces by Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Prokofiev, among others at its Ames performance.

The Promise Ring, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21 at Gabe’s in Iowa City

These Milwaukee-based emo kids had a good 1999, as their album, the brilliantly crafted “Very Emergency,” was chosen as one of Spin magazine’s Top 20 albums of 1999.

Building up their reputation as the flagship band for emotional hardcore, The Promise Ring have brought the genre to more people than ever before and become a college radio favorite of the year.

Critics predict emo to expand even further in 2000, possibly launching the band into superstar status. See it in Iowa City before it outgrows smaller venues like Gabe’s.

Tina at the Maintenance Shop 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, $5 students, $6 general admission.

The ex-frontwoman from Tina and the B-Sides has left the band to concentrate on a solo career. Catch a glimpse of her solo acoustic work next weekend.

Beck 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 at the Midland Theater in Kansas City, $24.50.

Riding on the wave of his most recent effort, “Midnite Vultures,” Beck comes to Kansas City later this month. It’s the closest drive from Ames out of all his other tour dates, so catch it while you can.

February

The Chieftains 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Stephens Auditorium, $12 to $32.

Fiddles, flutes, pipes and guitars will invade Ames this winter as Celtic band The Chieftains return to Stephens Auditorium.

Formed in 1963 in Dublin, The Chieftains remain legends in Celtic and folk music circles, so start practicing that Irish jig.

Cowboy Junkies 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Hoyt Sherman Auditorium in Des Moines, $23.50.

Many people remember the Cowboy Junkies for their mellow cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane.” That song landed them on the map in 1988 and was later featured on the soundtrack to Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers.”

But there’s much more to this Canadian quartet, as concertgoers will see next month. Tickets went on sale Saturday.

Weird Al Yankovic 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Stephens Auditorium, $25.

Weird Al might have been the first record store purchase for many Iowa Staters, since the artist’s songs “Eat It,” “Fat” and “Like A Surgeon” made lots of noise in the ’80s.

The king of song parodies has become a cult figure on MTV recently, as he has hosted several installments of “Al TV” and will come to Ames for what will surely be one of the most highly anticipated shows of the semester.

Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at the Maintenance Shop.

March

Carnegie Hall Jazz Band 7 p.m. Thursday, March 2 at Stephens Auditorium, $10 to $30.

Jazz fans shouldn’t miss the concert from this legendary band in what is surely to be a memorable performance.

Manodharma Trio, Friday March 3 at the Maintenance Shop.

Dollar Guitar (Sonic Youth side project) 9 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at the Maintenance Shop, $4 students, $5 general admission.

Sonic Youth suffered a letdown last summer after having all of its equipment stolen on the road, but that hasn’t stopped drummer Steve Shelley from making some new music.

Rumor has it his new side project is a bit on the mellow side, but if it’s anywhere near as inventive as Sonic Youth’s past work, it’ll be a highlight of the M-Shop’s spring schedule.

Powerman 5000, Static X and Dope 7:30 p.m. March 6 at Super Toad Entertainment Center in Des Moines, $20.

Tickets went on sale Saturday for Powerman 5000, who have come a long way since their appearance on “Beverly Hills 90210” a few years back. Their most recent release, “Tonight the Stars Revolt,” combines hardcore guitars with electronic elements.

Openers Static X and Dope have both mustered a buzz, with a few videos on MTV gaining attention.

Kelly Joe Phelps Thurssday, March 20 at 8 p.m. at the Maintenance Shop

April

Willy Porter Saturday,. April 1 at the Maintenance Shop

Assad Guitar Duo 7:30 p.m. SAturday, April 6 at Stephens Auditorium, $6 to $22.

Either/Orchestra 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday, April 21 at the Maintenance Shop, $6 students, $8 general admissions.

This avant-garde 10-piece jazz band should appeal to those who caught Medeski Martin & Wood last fall in Des Moines.