And so it begins. The next few weeks are loaded with “special” shows by local performers. Many have a holiday theme (that’s right, I said “holiday,” you intolerant Christmas warrior), but there are also plenty of gigs celebrating things other than the season (that’ll end with the following three weeks of non-stop holiday madness). Any way you go, you’re in for some quality shows by local artists this week. Be sure to pick up some CDs or other merch for stocking stuffers.
• Jason Wells’ for algernon and Beau Alquizola’s self-titled band are teaming up for what they hope will become an annual affair, a holiday show cheekily modeled after those old Bing Crosby Christmas TV programs. Friday at Molly Malone’s in Covington, the two acts will perform on a stage made to resemble a cozy, holiday-decorated living room. And just as Bing would be “surprised” by a knock on the door and Bob Hope popping in because he “happened to be in the neighborhood,” the two acts will be joined by special guests throughout the night (and, yes, they will be knocking on a prop door set up on stage). Artists like Jason Ludwig (Noctaluca), Mike Fair (MF and the Adventure Seekers), Ashley Peacock (The Times) and the band Hello, Hello are among those scheduled to “drop by.” Showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is $6 or a bag of dry cat or dog food, which will be donated to local animal rescue Save Our Strays.
• The club aliveOne (which has a sister venue in Chicago of the same name) has been in Mount Adams for eight years now. To celebrate, the club presents a special anniversary party Saturday. Those who find it odd that the “live music” themed bar doesn’t feature a steady diet of live entertainment, this your night. Two of Cincinnati’s finest original bands (and both very good “live” acts, to keep with the theme), Indie rockers Wussy and Electronic duo You, You’re Awesome, provide the tunes for the 9 p.m. shindig. (
www.aliveone.com/cincinnati.html
)• Alt/Goth Hard Rock troupe Chakras should be celebrated for thinking of the kids! The group is presenting a benefit show for the Toys for Tots organization this Saturday at downtown’s Mainstay Rock Bar, an annual tradition for the band. Joining Chakras are Lunch Box, Tower of Silence and Nashville’s Labeling Deloris. Doors open at 8 p.m. Swing by a store and pick up a new, unwrapped toy to donate for free admission (you lazy folks can just donate a crisp $5 bill to get in). (
)• Rootsy Rock crew 500 Miles to Memphis is celebrating a very busy 2010 when it performs its final local show of the year Saturday at the Southgate House. The band kicked off 2010 by releasing the stellar, remarkably accomplished full-length, We’ve Built Up to Nothing, and pretty much stayed on the road ever since, notching over 240 shows across the eastern half of the U.S. North Carolina’s Evelynn Rose and Chicago’s Miles Nielsen (son of Cheap Trick legend Rick) and his band The Rusted Hearts open the 9 p.m. show.
• Friday, veteran singer/songwriter/harmonica-ist Dave Gilligan and his friends will party it up in honor of Gilligan’s 30th anniversary of performing at beloved downtown establishment Arnold’s. Where? Why at Arnold’s, of course. Gilligan — who says there will be discounted CDs available for the occasion (see stocking stuffer suggestion above) — will be joined by most of his longtime bandmates from The Flock (minus singer/flutist/mandolinist Jen Shepherd, who is currently on tour in Europe with Bay Area singer/songwriter Ezekiel Kelly), as well as many other surprise guests.
CONTACT MIKE BREEN:
