I have a 50mm f/1.4 for my Canon and i's my best lens

.

Gah.. my comment got lost!

Basically, the 50mm is about $400, and the 35 is half that. I'm just trying to decide if it's worth the money, or if I can get the results I'm looking for with the 35mm.. and save the rest for a lens I've been eyeing since I started shooting weddings.

I have nothing helpful to add, I just really dig chicks with cameras

It's worth the money. You'll never look back.

*looks back*

If you get a prime lena, you'd better hope youre right up close...otherwise your shots may all turn out similar. In short, anything with 2.8 or lower will be ideal, and VR even better (assuming you dont use flash photography).

for gigs/bands I'm not sure how useful a 35 would be. I know canon has an 85 f/1.8 that's not too much but I don't know about Nikon.

I have the 1.4 you mentioned and I love it!

Some of my favorite photos I've taken with it:

The best portrait lens is the Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 which is also called a 'prime lens' because you can't zoom, it is what it is and honestly, it takes it's best photos without a flash.
As far as concert you won't be able to use that lens because it is short range, you'll need something bigger... as reags says "In short, anything with 2.8 or lower will be ideal, and VR even better ".
Nikon brand is going to cost you a lot.
Check into another brand that works great with Nikon cameras called Tamron. They make good lenses and they are half the price.

I know they don't zoom. Haha. When I say concerts.. I'm mostly talking about local bands, where they'll throw me right up against the stage. The 50mm would be better than the 35 in that case.. I'm just trying to steer clear of using a flash.

If I had my way, I'd be doing more kids portraits. I think the 50mm may be a better investment in that department as well.

Nice shots, nicole! I do like that lens.

snaggle - Thanks for the tip! I've rented Nikon's 2.8 24-70mm, for a couple weddings. I really liked it, but it's around $1,600. Looks like Tamron has one for $499! I've never used that brand.. Definitely going to look into that more. Do you have any?

Yes. We (me and my friend/business partner: blythscottphotography)shoot Nikon and use both Nikon and Tamron lenses. We usually rent stuff to play with it and make choices after that. I know the lens you're talking about, it is so sweet, but like you say, it's expensive. We have a couple Tamron lenses (after doing tons of research) and they perform great. Check out the Tamron flickr groups for a taste.

Here's a couple shots with the Nikon Nikkor 50mm a portrait lens from a couple of our weddings:

Wow, gorgeous. I love the bokeh with that one! That's exactly what I want!

I think maybe I'll splurge on the Nikon 50mm, and try and save a bit with the Tamron 28-75. Nikon's is so nice.. but If I can get both for under a grand, I may be set for awhile.