The 2010 year-end lists are already getting dusty. It's time to start looking ahead, and if the last year was any indication, music fans should have plenty of varied and adventurous options. Why, in the first three months of the new year alone, fans can catch an orchestral pop band, download a new album from one of hip-hop's legends and get a look at some of those primed to be 2011's breakout acts.

What follows is a look at January and February, and it comes with a Los Angeles-area bent. For the next two months, here are 11 music highlights, including local concerts and anticipated albums.

Images: Talib Kweli ( Los Angeles Times; PJ Harvey (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times); Social Distortion's Mike Ness (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times).

Compiled by Todd Martens, except where noted.