Tis the season for festive music celebrations and releases in the Bay Area! While many venues are closed for two or three days immediately around Christmas, there are plenty of things to do between then and the new year, and lots of great holiday music to check out. Here’s a sample:
Talking House Records release: A Foggy Holiday: Carols from The SF Scene, Vol. 2
This quintessential holiday record features fourteen local bands and musicians performing indie rock versions of holiday classics like “What Child is This,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “O Holy Night.” There are also a couple of less Christmas-centric covers, including “It’s a Marshmallow World” and “2000 Miles.” The compilation features the cream of the Bay Area music crop, including The May Fire, The Lovemakers, Scissors for Lefty and The Heavenly States. And as if the music itself wasn’t enough, some of the profits for the record will go to Grammy’s MusiCares program to help music professionals in times of need. The album is $11 and can be ordered from the Talking House Records website.
The 11th Annual Black X-Mass at The Elbo Room
Thurs., Dec. 25, 9pm
San Francisco
For eleven years, the First Satanic Church has put on this event that features a group of incredibly entertaining acts, whatever side of the religious fence you may inhabit. This year it includes local and non-local acts, from punk and garage rock to industrial and electronic, with a smattering of quality burlesque and comedy: The Fuxedos, Sassy!!!, Fluff Grrl, Kitten On The Keys, Theremin Wizard Barney, Devil Dancers (burlesque) and Hearsella (comic poet). Tickets are only available at the door, and cost $10. This show is definitely a great way to liven up your x-mas.
Hannukah Worldwide 2008 at Mezzanine
Sat, Dec. 27, 9pm
San Francisco
If you’re suffering from the can’t-wait-for-New-Years blues, this show will perk you right up. The Mezzanine, which frequently hosts some of the best electronic and dance acts in the country, will host this party, presented by Birthright Israel. Tainted Love, the ultimate party band, plays covers of songs by classic ’80s dance artists like Pat Benetar, Bananarama, Duran Duran, Prince and many more. Complimented by the audio and video mashup king Mike Relm and multi-talented local DJ and performer Mr. Vigs, this promises to be a night of excessive dancing. The show costs $18 in advance and $25 at the door. Get your tickets at inticketing.com.
Popscene’s Disco 2009 at Rickshaw Stop
New Year’s Eve at 9pm
San Francisco
With all of the over-packed bars and drunken parties to attend on New Year’s Eve, it’s hard to commit to something in advance. But this party at the Rickshaw Stop features two amazing acts, champagne at midnight and party favors for ringing in the new year with lots of noise. Headliners Shiny Toy Guns from LA will bring their Grammy-nominated new wave electronic energy to the nice open floor of the venue, preceded by MIA’s producer and DJ Low B, who spins bits of soul, dancehall, hiphop, disco and more. Local DJs Aaron, Omar and Nako will keep the music playing throughout the night. The party costs $60, and there are limited advanced tickets. Get your tickets from the Rickshaw Stop’s website.
