Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, view sick you’ve woken up from your tryptophan-induced happiness coma, and cialis you’ve punched and elbowed your way through Black Friday to get that new toaster oven at 75% off, and you’ve tossed the remainder of your cash onto the internet for every Cyber Monday deal in existence, what are you supposed to do with your time from now until the end of the year? I personally enjoy sitting back, neglecting to shop until Christmas Eve, and downing as much whiskey and eggnog as allowed by law, but if you absolutely must get off your ass in December, here are a few aural holiday recommendations that are happening in and around our lovely Boston this holiday season.
December 6th: Super Freak Family Revue @ Davis Square Theatre with Ruby Rose Fox, FEINTS, and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling
Three of Boston’s most vocally-gifted vixens unite for a night that promises to be an intimate and eclectic romp of smooth lounge (Ruby Rose Fox), balls-to-the-walls rock (Amy Douglas and FEINTS), and wrathful art-spy-punk (Sophia Cacciola and DNFMOMD). Plus, they promise fancy, hopefully holiday-themed, drinks.
December 6th: BUFU Records Holiday Quasi-Semi-Formal @ JP Drizzle
I frankly don’t know what “Quasi-Semi-Formal” means, but I like to think I could wear denim shorts, a bow tie, and slippers, and I would still be following the dress code (Quasi-Semi sounds like a fraction I can’t comprehend). Either way, local indie label BUFU Records is throwing this little shindig in Jamaica Plain on Friday, featuring local faves such as Happy Jawbone Family Band, Dylan Ewen & the Southern Gospel Bangbusters, Luxardo, and HOT.
December 10th: Great Scott Holiday Party with The Scrooges @ Great Scott
One of Allston’s best musical dives plays host to one of my favorite tribute groups of all time, The Scrooges. Honestly, I can’t think of anything that screams HOLIDAYS more than a bunch of sweaty dudes in Santa suits playing Stooges covers.
December 14th: Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular @ the Middle East Downstairs w/ Freezepop, Sidewalk Driver, Parks, Animal Talk, Harris Hawk
Oy. Talk about all over the place. This may be the “grab bag” of local holiday shows, but that’s in no way a bad thing. Local booking ace Richard “Indie Rock Ranger” Bouchard (of wearing hats and Boucharding fame) has crafted a musical Frankenstein of a bill including synth-pop masters Freezepop, Glamta (Glam-Santa, duh)-fronted rockers Sidewalk Driver, bouncy indie-pop craftsmen Parks, dance-worthy Animal Talk, and sludgey grunge shredders Harris Hawk. Bring your dancing shoes and beer goggles.
December 17th: T.T.’s Holiday Party@ @ T.T. The Bear’s Place
TT’s is throwing a bigass holiday party filled with giving, booze, and local acts, including the TT’s staff band, Mike the Considerate and the Interns. Also playing are hair band-revivalists Aquanutz, 3/4 of Scamper (possibly their actual name now), Ad Frank (of Ad Frank and the Fast Easy Women and Rumble semifinalists Lifestyle), Sinnet, Corin Ashley, Butterknife, and the Derangers, with a special holiday-themed guest to be announced closer to the event (Mystery! Intrigue! Booze). Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped gift for the SPECTACULAR Holiday Gift Drive!
December 20th: Oldjack’s Holiday Homage with The Sheila Divine, Oldjack, the Rationales, and the Nate Leavitt Band @ the Sinclair
Dan Nicklin and friends take over the Sinclair for a night of widely-recognized favorites, headlined by the post-punk/emo giants of The Sheila Divine, and supported by the beard-and-poncho soul of Oldjack, the pop-rock jams of the Rationales, and Nate Leavitt’s smooth indie folk.
December 21st: Holiday Show! With Tallahassee, Mellow Bravo, The Field Effect, and Cask Mouse @ the Sinclair
This bill is like a sandwich. Bear with me on this comparison. Starting off the night, you have the down-home Americana rock of Cask Mouse, followed by the front-and-center, straight down the middle rocking meat of The Field Effect and Mellow Bravo, all topped off with more country-style rockin’ with Tallahassee. Look for the Field Effect to bust out their two Christmas covers, last year’s “Last Christmas,” by WHAM! and this year’s offering, Elvis’ “Blue Christmas.”
December 22nd: Harry & The Potters 9th Annual Yule Ball @ The Middle East Downstairs
Oh boy. For the ninth year in a row, everyone’s favorite Wizarding indie rock group puts on another holiday extravaganza with, of course, more Harry Potter-themed bands. This all ages show is fun for the whole family, featuring performances by the Potter Puppet Pals, and other wizard-rock groups like the Whomping Willows and What Cheer? Brigade. Dust off your best dress robes and hop on your Firebolt a few days before Christmas!