Wednesday December 26top

Neil Masson Trio

Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Ron Hughes (7:30 pm)

Bethany Village Grill, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., 533-7736. Map

Bob Soper

Biddy McGraw's, 6000 NE Glisan St., 233-1178. Map

Apollo's Lute

Chaos Cafe & Parlor, 2620 SE Powell Blvd., 546-8112. Map

Circled by Hounds

County Cork, 1329 NE Fremont St., 284-4805. Map

Xotica-Go-Go: DJs Kenoy & Mr. Mumu

Dante's, 1 SW 3rd Ave., 226-6630. All ages. Map

Blues Jam w/ Suburban Slim, Marco Savo & Jeff Strawbridge

Duff's Garage, 1635 SE 7th Ave., 234-2337. All ages. Map

Open Mic w/ Sauce Policy

Forty Fifth St. Pub & Grill, 4511 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway., 246-7061. All ages. Map

Zeugmatic

Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. Map

Songwriters in the Round w/ Steve Rodin, Ray Beran

Gotham Tavern, 2240 N Interstate Ave., 517-9911. Map

TRONix: Free

Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch St., 796-9364. Map

Arabesque

It's a Beautiful Pizza, 3342 SE Belmont St., 233-5444. All ages. Map

Hank Hirsh Jazz Jam

Jax, 826 SW 2nd Ave., 228-9128. All ages. Map

Mel Brown Quartet

Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave., 295-6542. All ages. Map

Cronin Tierney

Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave., 227-4057. Map

David Reisch's Boxing Day Special (9 pm); Reggie Houston's Box of Chocolates (6 pm)

LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. All ages. Map

Don Jansen

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Mark Alan (7 pm)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. Map

The Lonesome Stragglers (9 pm); The Cafe Cowboys, Uncle Yascha (6 pm)

Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3231. All ages. Map

Bolt Upright Blue Jam

Monty's Tavern, 13095 SW Canyon Road., 644-2337. Map

Thad Beckman

Original Halibut's, 2525 NE Alberta St., 808-9601. All ages. Map

DJ Jason Snell

Ponderosa Lounge, 10350 N Vancouver Way., 345-0300. Map

Bill Beach (8 pm); Gus Pappelis (5 pm)

Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030. Map

The War Wagon, Mangfald, Benson Jones (7:30 pm)

Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. All ages. Map

My Muse

The Knife Shop, 426 SW Washington St., 228-3669. Map

The Nekronotz

Tonic Lounge, 3100 NE Sandy Blvd., 238-0543. All ages. Map

Barbara Lusch

Tony Starlight's, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 517-8584. All ages. Map

Lamar Murphy

Towne Lounge, 714 SW 20th Place., 241-8696. All ages. Map

Steve Smith

Tupelo Joe's, 10721 NW Sandy Blvd., 788-5150. All ages. Map

Wrong Side of the Tracks

White Eagle, 836 N Russell St., 282-6810. Map

Wicked Wednesday: DJs Wicked & Wels

XV, 15 NW 2nd Ave., 790-9090. All ages. Map

Thursday December 27top

Chervona

Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta St., 284-7665. Map

Borikuas (7 pm)

Bar Mestizo at Andina, 1314 NW Glisan St., 228-9535. All ages. Map

Jean Ronne & Lee Wuthenow

Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Vanderbuilte, Michael Dean Damron & Thee Loyal Bastards, Old Man Winter, Rudy Treasure

[AMERICANA] See Best Local Albums of 2007. 9:30 pm. Berbati's Pan, 231 SW Ankeny St., 248-4579. Cover. 21+. Map

Martins

Bethany Village Grill, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., 533-7736. All ages. Map

The Noah Peterson Quartet

Biddy McGraw's, 6000 NE Glisan St., 233-1178. Map

Beat Kids w/ DJ Lamborghini

Branx, 320 SE 2nd Ave., 234-5683. All ages. Map

The Beckerheads

Buffalo Gap Saloon, 6835 SW Macadam Ave., 244-7111. All ages. Map

Earth, Jackie-O Motherfucker, Dragging an Ox through Water

[DRONE DOOM] Originators of none-heavier "drone doom" genre 17 years ago, Earth, by all rights, should now be the purview of spooky zines and bouncer iPods—but it was sorta hard not to get famous in 1990 Seattle. With members and collaborators that included Kurt Cobain, Slim Moon (KRS founder), Tobi Vail (who told Kurt Cobain he smelled like teen spirit), and Dylan Carlson (who, um, bought that shotgun), Earth escaped the dirge-metal genre and, with disparate artists orbiting around stalwart Carlson, continued to evolve. The band's new incarnation features John Zorn's guitarist, Bill Frisell, and, with a new album weeks from release, gravitates toward ’70s jazz fusion. JAY HORTON. 9 pm. Dante's, 1 SW 3rd Ave., 226-6630. $5. 21+. Map

Castella, My Fellow Traveler, Von Super

Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. All ages. Map

Mystic Canyon Band

Duff's Garage, 1635 SE 7th Ave., 234-2337. Map

Hornet Leg, Paradise Island, Bare Knuckle Bear

Dunes, 1905 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 493-8637. All ages. Map

Pharoah's Fortune: DJ Brian Epoxy, The Leaders

East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. Map

Local Industrial Music Showcase

Fez Ballroom, 316 SW 11th Ave., 221-7262. Map

Devin Phillips Band

[JAZZ] Since coming to Portland after being evacuated from New Orleans, saxophonist Devin Phillips has cemented himself in the local scene, bringing a much-needed Big Easy flair to Stumptown. Proudly wearing centuries-spanning influences on his well-tailored sleeve (everything from old slave songs to Charlie Parker to Herbie to Marsalis can be detected), Phillips sounds just as great in a posh hotel (he’ll go all Ellington at the Governor on NYE) as he does in the dank basement of the Goodfoot. Though the circumstances that brought him here are tragic, his presence in the scene is cause for thanks. AP KRYZA. 9:30 pm. Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. $7. 21+. Map

Thomas Simon's Musiciens sans Frontieres, KouseFly

[ALMOST ART] Pretty easy to imagine Musiciens sans Frontieres as an actual offshoot of Doctors without Borders, with band members parachuting into war zones to force communion through Screaming Trees riffage. But let's assume the name refers to troupe godhead Thomas Simon's penchant for overdone cultural borrowings—thrusting tabla or didgeridoo atop warmed-over goth—which somehow count as humanitarian in this modern world (though I'd love to see the Aborigine/theater student exchange program). Simon's current project is harmless enough—industrial dance as imagined by an NYC/Austrian multimedia DJ and chanteuse on break from As the World Turns; the group's MySpace page lists three rave reviews from the Transylvanian daily—but sterile, soulless, nudging-competent imitations of art should not inspire diplomacy. War without tears wasn't supposed to be the point, right? JAY HORTON. 8 pm. Hawthorne Theatre, 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7100. $8. All ages. Map

Breanna Paletta

Imbibe, 2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-4002. Map

Portland Jazz Singers Showcase

Jax, 826 SW 2nd Ave., 228-9128. 21+. Map

Mel Brown B3 Organ Band

Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave., 295-6542. All ages. Map

Mars Retrieval Unit

Jolly Roger, 1340 SE 12th Ave., 232-8060. All ages. Map

Cronin Tierney

Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave., 227-4057. Map

Thad Beckman, Brother Elmore (9:30 pm); Lewi Longmire Band (6 pm)

LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. All ages. Map

Bill Beach (6 pm)

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Hanz Araki (7 pm)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. 21+. Map

Two Step Slumber (9 pm); Trombone Encounters (6 pm)

Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3231. All ages. Map

KC Murphy Open Mic

Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N Lombard St., 283-5014. Map

Ida Viper, Back Alley String Band

Nine Muses Acoustic Tavern, 2715 NE Belmont St., 236-3848. All ages. Map

Terry Robb

Original Halibut's, 2525 NE Alberta St., 808-9601. All ages. Map

Guy Charlemagne, Diebolt-Valois, Andre Clouet

Pix Patisserie-North, 3901 N Williams Ave., 282-6539. All ages. Map

David Michael Lee (8 pm); Jim Fischer (5 pm)

Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030. Map

Post-Asiatic (CD Release Party), Nequaquam Vacuum, Deathstar Orchestra

Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. 21+. Map

Lasers All the Time, Junkmail, Bella Florentine, Tomorrows Heroes, Why We Fear Fiction

[JANGLE POST-ROCK] Lasers All the Time is not only a fine band name, the group behind it meshes Braid's energy with Ted Leo's sweet vocal purity and Kickball's angular, shifting pop. That could all be a happy accident, but in any case it adds up to music that could be confused with new emo but, upon closer inspection, is just smart, toe-tapping pop with more tempo shifts and hooks than your average Squeeze song. Consider me smitten. CASEY JARMAN. 7:30 pm. Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. $6. All ages. Map

The Fix: Rev Shines, Ohmega Watts, DJs Kez, Dundiggy

Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th Ave., 248-1030. All ages. Map

Women of Blues w/ Sonny Hess, Lisa Mann & Kelly Halter

The Green Room, 2280 NW Thurman St., 228-6178. All ages. Map

From the Sun, Adio Sequence

Tonic Lounge, 3100 NE Sandy Blvd., 238-0543. Map

Phil Hatton's Dixieland Christmas Jam

Tony Starlight's, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 517-8584. Map

Atomic Housewives, The Decliners, Serpentone

Towne Lounge, 714 SW 20th Place., 241-8696. All ages. Map

Eddie Bodine, Cotton Jenny, Thomas Kramer (8:30 pm); Stevi Marie & Jackson Road (5:30 pm)

White Eagle, 836 N Russell St., 282-6810. All ages. Map

Tom Grant

Wilf's Restaurant, 800 NW 6th Ave., 223-0070. All ages. Map

Time Travel: Gen.Erik & DJ Zone

XV, 15 NW 2nd Ave., 790-9090. Map

Friday December 28top

Michael Ismerio and Curtis Alsobrook

Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta St., 284-7665. Map

Latenight Freakout Odyssey

Amazon Cafe CLOSED, 208 NW Couch St., 222-2915. All ages. Map

Sambafeat

Bar Mestizo at Andina, 1314 NW Glisan St., 228-9535. All ages. Map

Neil Masson Quartet w/ Lee Wuthenow

Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Kingpins

Bethany Village Grill, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., 533-7736. Map

Funk Shui

Biddy McGraw's, 6000 NE Glisan St., 233-1178. Map

SNAP! 90's Dance Party: DJs Freaky Outty & Colin Jones

Branx, 320 SE 2nd Ave., 234-5683. All ages. Map

Dirty Dale

Buffalo Gap Saloon, 6835 SW Macadam Ave., 244-7111. All ages. Map

Randy Lehee, DJs Ilian & Flying J

Chaos Cafe & Parlor, 2620 SE Powell Blvd., 546-8112. All ages. Map

Johnny Connolly and Cary Novotny

County Cork, 1329 NE Fremont St., 284-4805. Map

DJ Brad

Crush, 1400 SE Morrison St., 235-8150. All ages. Map

Two Ton Boa, Subarachnoid Space, Prize Country

[CREEPY PSYCH POP] With a name like Two Ton Boa—and Portland metal guru Nate Carson on drums—you might expect something a little more hardcore than the Soft Boys-, Syd Barrett-, XTC-style pop that defines this Olympia outfit's usual sound. I say "usual" because the Boa boys mix things up quite a bit on Parasiticide, from riff rock to keyboard-driven carnival pop. Despite its stylistic inconsistencies, Two Ton Boa is consistently interesting—keeping listeners guessing as to what will be around the next turn in the band's compelling and ever-challenging Transylvanian soundscape. CASEY JARMAN. 9:30 pm. Dante's, 1 SW 3rd Ave., 226-6630. $7. 21+. Map

Climber, Blue Skies For Black Hearts, Fast Computers

[RADIOHEAD-INFLUENCED POP] Despite the fact that the band's annoying stick-figure logo stares you down wherever you go in Portland, and that I Dream in Autoplay is not a very good album title—heck, despite the fact that Climber just isn't my thing—the band is a force to be reckoned with. I caught some of the slick space-rock outfit's show at Berbati's a month or so ago, and I was taken aback by how stoked Climber's fans were. It forced me to reconsider my position on the band (sort of a shrugging position, usually), and while it's still not my thing, I was privy to seeing some fine musicianship and well-executed pop-song structures. Folks who can't shake their OK Computer-era Radiohead obsession could do worse than to hear a similarly minded local equivalent. CASEY JARMAN. 9 pm. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. $7. 21+. Map

Richard Cranium & the Phoreheads

Duff's Garage, 1635 SE 7th Ave., 234-2337. Map

The Drones Club: The Pink Snowflakes, DJs Brother Hollywood & Rev. Strickland

East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. All ages. Map

Mars Retrieval Unit

Forty Fifth St. Pub & Grill, 4511 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway., 246-7061. All ages. Map

Soul Stew: DJ Aquaman

Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. Map

Time Lapse: Lunar Eclipse Halo

Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch St., 796-9364. All ages. Map

Leaving the Scene, Skyrockets and Knives

Hawthorne Theatre, 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7100. All ages. Map

Johnny Martin Trio

Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway., 241-4100. All ages. Map

Jaycob Van Auken, Annalisa (9:30 pm); Little Sue (6 pm)

Imbibe, 2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-4002. All ages. Map

Ryan's Myth

Jade Lounge, 2346 SE Ankeny St., 236-4998. Map

Linda Hornbuckle

Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave., 295-6542. All ages. Map

Peter Yeates

Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave., 227-4057. Map

SweetJuice (9:30 pm); Randy Yearout's TRIODE (6 pm)

LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. All ages. Map

'80s Video Dance Attack!: VJ Kittyrox

Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., 225-0047. All ages. Map

Bill Beach (6 pm)

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Matt Vrba's New Artist Showcase

Macadam's Bar & Grill, 5833 SW Macadam Ave., 246-6227. All ages. Map

Beth Willis (7 pm)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. Map

Fez Fatale (9 pm); The Mora (6 pm)

Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3231. All ages. Map

Rollie Tussing

Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N Lombard St., 283-5014. Map

Snow Bud and The Flower People, All Time High (Main Theater); Dementia Night: DJs Missionary & Zufall (Legacy Lounge)

Mount Tabor Legacy, 4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 232-0450. Map

Strings for Industry

Music Millennium, 3158 E Burnside St., 231-8926. Map

Big E, Ashbury Park, Michael Pan

Nine Muses Acoustic Tavern, 2715 NE Belmont St., 236-3848. Map

Lee Blake

Original Halibut's, 2525 NE Alberta St., 808-9601. All ages. Map

Cross Country: DJ Morgan

Ponderosa Lounge, 10350 N Vancouver Way., 345-0300. Map

Gus Pappelis (8 pm); Mark J (5 pm)

Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030. Map

Nobody's Business

Portsmouth Pizza & Pub, 5264 N Lombard St., 289-4644. All ages. Map

Counterfeit Cash

Produce Row Cafe, 204 SE Oak St., 232-8355. All ages. Map

Lost In Ashes, Restruct (7 pm)

Rock 'N' Roll Pizza, 11140 SE Powell Blvd., 760-7646. All ages. Map

Neon Dayglo Danceclub: Tre Slim, DJ BJ & Patricia Furpurse

[ELECTRONIC] 2007 has undoubtedly been the year that ushered neon back into style—what with the quasi-genre of electronic music "nu-rave" bringing back the glowsticks and outfits accentuated by the night. DJs Tre Slim (sometime partner to DJ Copy), DJ BJ and Patricia Furpurse are making sure the trend stays firmly in place by providing all sorts of electro that makes you want to make the same stylistic commitment. Go for the dress code, stay for the beats. NILINA MASON-CAMPBELL. 9 pm. Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. $3. 21+. Map

Particle Son, RUST, Day Of Death, Hammered Grunts, Ziptye, Final Awakening

Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. All ages. Map

The Neon Wilderness, The Fast Takers, China Loca

Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099. Map

Jason Fellman Band

The Green Room, 2280 NW Thurman St., 228-6178. Map

Metal Night

The Knife Shop, 426 SW Washington St., 228-3669. Map

Dinah Washington Tribute: Karen Maria Capo

Tony Starlight's, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 517-8584. All ages. Map

Lloyd Jones

Tupelo Joe's, 10721 NW Sandy Blvd., 788-5150. All ages. Map

Gavin Wahl-Stephens (9:30 pm); Reverb Brothers (5:30 pm)

White Eagle, 836 N Russell St., 282-6810. All ages. Map

Tony Pacini Trio

Wilf's Restaurant, 800 NW 6th Ave., 223-0070. All ages. Map

School of Rock: Best of the Northwest feat. members of Death Cab for Cutie, The Decemberists, Mudhoney, The Shins, The Thermals & more

[NEXT-GEN NORTHWEST ROCK] The School of Rock promises that, in addition to its star pupils, members of Death Cab, the Decemberists, Team Dresch, Mudhoney, Poison Idea and the Wipers (!) will appear tonight at what has to be the school's coolest concept show ever. The kids will even take on tunes by Pavement (Stephen Malkmus is slated to perform with ’em), the Shins, and other recent rocker transplants in a section of the show they're calling "Welcome to the Northwest." Mighty neighborly of ya, youngsters! Also see feature. JEFF ROSENBERG. 8 pm. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St., 284-8686. $15. All ages. Map

Saturday December 29top

Chickweed, Ida Viper

Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta St., 284-7665. All ages. Map

Misfats, Shock Troops, Fist of Dishonor, Sunken Chest

[CONCEPTUAL CHAOS] With a lineup like this, things are bound to get shticky. The proudly obese tribute group Misfats—who look like South Park versions of the Misfits—could swallow pint-sized asswipe Glenn Danzig (something I’d really like to see happen to that douche), and their satirical, craptastical take on the band is hysterical. Pirate band Sunken Chest is exactly what a pirate band should be—rocking like Judas Priest and AC/DC rather than prissy kid shit. And Fist of Dishonor, with its samurai ballads and onstage fight choreography, ties it all together with a heavy dose of ninja theatrics. AP KRYZA. 9 pm. Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. $6. 21+. Map

John Butler Trio

Bar Mestizo at Andina, 1314 NW Glisan St., 228-9535. All ages. Map

Neil Masson Quartet w/ Lee Wuthenow

Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Alphabet Stew, Living Proof, Grey Matters, Garden Entertainment, Santotzin, Mood Swing, DJ Spark

Berbati's Pan, 231 SW Ankeny St., 248-4579. Map

Article 5

Bethany Village Grill, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., 533-7736. Map

Sweet City Slang

Biddy McGraw's, 6000 NE Glisan St., 233-1178. Map

J*Malem

Buffalo Gap Saloon, 6835 SW Macadam Ave., 244-7111. All ages. Map

Norman Sylvester Band

Candlelight Cafe and Bar, 2032 SW 5th Ave., 222-3378. All ages. Map

Vermont Today, In the Grove

Chaos Cafe & Parlor, 2620 SE Powell Blvd., 546-8112. Map

DJ Brendan

Crush, 1400 SE Morrison St., 235-8150. All ages. Map

Legend of Dutch Savage, Oblivion Seekers, Starantula, Big Red & the Juicy Fruits

Dante's, 1 SW 3rd Ave., 226-6630. All ages. Map

Cure Tribute: Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights, Boy Eats Drum Machine, Leigh Marble, Silverhawk, Tony Smiley, Jon Garcia, Gina Noell, Adrian H. & the Wounds and more

[TRIBUTE] See Best Local Albums of 2007. 9 pm. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. $10. 21+. Map

The Buckles

Duff's Garage, 1635 SE 7th Ave., 234-2337. Map

Nic Fury

[YEEEAH!] Self-described as one who "stays in the mix like a Lil John song," Fury is a man of many angles. Head of L.A.-based 20 Kliks Records, he has a lengthy list of collaborators to fill out his hefty brand of hip-hop. Expect some unexpected freestyling, plenty of mic-passing, and a whole load of head-bobbing. MARK STOCK. East Chinatown Lounge, 322 NW Everett St., 226-1659. Cover. 21+. Map

The Hunches, Sleepwalkers R.I.P., DJ James D

[END-IS-NIGH GARAGECORE] The Hunches keep promising to throw in their blood-soaked, sweat-stained collective towel (how's that for an awkward metaphor?) and call it quits. And yet they keep setting the hardcore kids on fire with even more throat-busting vocals and explosive guitars. We refuse to believe this show is the black swan song they say it might be; you better show up just in case. The intensely hawt garage-band-brand punk that is Sleepwalkers R.I.P.—with the addictive vocal fireworks of frontlady Candy—shares the bill. STEPHEN MARC BEAUDOIN. 9 pm. East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. Free. 21+. Map

Andaz: DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid w/ special guest DJ Rekha

[BHANGRA, BOLLYWOOD AND DESI BEATS] Born in London of Pakistani heritage, Rekha Malhotra has been blazing trails in New York for a decade. She busted down doors in the male-dominated club scene as booker, talent scout and founder of several club series featuring British Asian dance music. As DJ Rekha, her weekly Basement Bhangra parties at S.O.B.’s, the trendy South Village club, introduced New York to the irresistibly danceable ancient folk music from the Punjab that now graces hip-hop and other music by the likes of Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean and her own new debut CD. And now she guest stars in the dizzily danceable monthly Andaz series. BRETT CAMPBELL. 9 pm. Fez Ballroom, 316 SW 11th Ave., 221-7262. $8. 21+. Map

Eleven Eyes, Huzzah

Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. All ages. Map

Speed Limit & the Violations

Gotham Tavern, 2240 N Interstate Ave., 517-9911. All ages. Map

Reaganomix: DJs Paula B, Johnny Depth (7 pm)

Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch St., 796-9364. Map

Pure Impact (Balcony); Silent Civilian, Debris, 2 Minute Hate, Tallboy Shotgun (Main Stage)

Hawthorne Theatre, 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7100. All ages. Map

Linda Lee Michelet

Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway., 241-4100. All ages. Map

"Gaycation"

Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 239-7639. All ages. Map

Sambafeat

Imbibe, 2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-4002. Map

French Cafe w/ Mitzi Zilka

Jax, 826 SW 2nd Ave., 228-9128. All ages. Map

Patrick Lamb

Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave., 295-6542. All ages. Map

Peter Yeates

Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave., 227-4057. Map

Freddy Parish, The Martyrs

Know, 2026 NE Alberta St., 473-8729. All ages. Map

Bill Leed's Bad Hip Revue (9:30 pm); Lynn Conover & Little Sue (6 pm)

LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. All ages. Map

The Jerry Joseph Band w/ Ashleigh Flynn & Chris Funk

[TROUBADOUR] Not that folks took Jerry Joseph for granted, exactly, but for most of the past decade, you'd assume our fave roots rocker would be playing somewhere ’round town—he just never seemed the sort for sabbaticals. But Joseph and drummer Steve Drizos spent much of the summer recording a new album at Son Volt and Drive-by Truckers producer Dave Barbe's Athens, Ga., studio. Slightly poppier material, they say, but judge for yourselves as he plays three consecutive nights in Portland, this one with the cream of Portland Americana—Richmond Fontaine (see also Best Local Albums of 2007), the Decemberists' Chris Funk and Jenny Conlee, Casey Neill, Ashleigh Flynn, Paul Brainard and just about every callused fingertip in the state—paying tribute to Jackmormon No. 1. JAY HORTON. 9 pm. Joseph also plays Dec. 30 and 31 at Mt. Tabor Legacy. Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., 225-0047. $10 advance, $12 day of show. 21+. Map

Bill Beach (6 pm)

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Miriam's Well

Macadam's Bar & Grill, 5833 SW Macadam Ave., 246-6227. All ages. Map

Eric John Kaiser (7 pm)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. Map

Aguamiel (9 pm); Urban Monroes (6 pm)

Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3231. All ages. Map

Jessica Lynn Stiles & the Goo Goo Boys

Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N Lombard St., 283-5014. Map

Crudelaque (Main Theater); Oubliette: DJs Apocalypse & Braineater (Legacy Lounge)

Mount Tabor Legacy, 4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 232-0450. Map

Lynn Conover & Bob Shoemaker

Muddy Rudder Public House, 8105 SE 7th Ave., 233-4410. All ages. Map

Us Against the Throne, Brian O'Dell Band

Nine Muses Acoustic Tavern, 2715 NE Belmont St., 236-3848. Map

Bill Rhodes & Alan Hagar

Original Halibut's, 2525 NE Alberta St., 808-9601. All ages. Map

Cross Country: DJ Morgan

Ponderosa Lounge, 10350 N Vancouver Way., 345-0300. All ages. Map

Gus Pappelis (8 pm); David Michael Lee (5 pm)

Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030. Map

Lisa Mann

Portsmouth Pizza & Pub, 5264 N Lombard St., 289-4644. All ages. Map

The Hunter-Donnaloia Duo

Press Club, 2621 SE Clinton St., 233-5656. All ages. Map

Rich Man's Burden, Dixie Mattress Company

Red Room, 2530 NE 82nd Ave., 256-3399. All ages. Map

Our Own Blood, Boy Named Sue (7 pm)

Rock 'N' Roll Pizza, 11140 SE Powell Blvd., 760-7646. All ages. Map

Elektrik Premiere Night w/ Eddie Atarii, Matt E Starr, Mr. Clean & Jon Cates

Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. All ages. Map

Hum The Drone, Kill Your Ex

Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. All ages. Map

Ezra Carey, Pay the Coyote

Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099. Map

The Intelligence, Fist Fite, Reverse Dotty & the Candy Cane Shivs, I'm in a Boat

Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th Ave., 248-1030. 21+. Map

Colorfield

The Green Room, 2280 NW Thurman St., 228-6178. Map

The Clementines, Fistful of Cash, Chris Newman

The Knife Shop, 426 SW Washington St., 228-3669. All ages. Map

Two Step Slumber

The Waypost, 3120 N Williams Ave., 367-3182. All ages. Map

Kleveland, Dark Skies, London and the Look

Tonic Lounge, 3100 NE Sandy Blvd., 238-0543. All ages. Map

"Best of Tony Starlight"

Tony Starlight's, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 517-8584. All ages. Map

Jim Mesi

Tupelo Joe's, 10721 NW Sandy Blvd., 788-5150. All ages. Map

Coconut Coolouts, Flexions, C.O.C.O., Stag Actress

Twilight Cafe & Bar, 1420 SE Powell Blvd., 232-3576. All ages. Map

Lisa & Her Kin

White Eagle, 836 N Russell St., 282-6810. Map

DJ Jeigh Uno

XV, 15 NW 2nd Ave., 790-9090. Map

Sunday December 30top

Greg Wolfe (7 pm)

Bar Mestizo at Andina, 1314 NW Glisan St., 228-9535. All ages. Map

Mike-a-nay

Crush, 1400 SE Morrison St., 235-8150. All ages. Map

"Sinferno Cabaret"

Dante's, 1 SW 3rd Ave., 226-6630. All ages. Map

"Stripparaoke"

Devils Point, 5305 SE Foster Road., 774-4513. 21+. Map

DJ Diet D.

East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. All ages. Map

Garaj Mahal

Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. Map

Black Sunday: Dymond Tyme

Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch St., 796-9364. Map

Eric Tonsfeldt

Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave., 227-4057. Map

Eli Reischman (5:30 pm); Jean Ronne (9:30 am)

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Billy Kennedy (5 pm)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. All ages. Map

Husbands, Love Your Wives, Luminous Craft (9 pm); Cuba Aché (6 pm)

Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3231. All ages. Map

David Francis Martin (7 pm)

Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N Lombard St., 283-5014. Map

Bill Beach (5 pm)

Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030. Map

Gorilla Productions Battle of the Bands (4 pm)

Rock 'N' Roll Pizza, 11140 SE Powell Blvd., 760-7646. Map

Children of the Revolution Fundraiser Party

Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. Map

Aisle 3, Pedestrian Diet, The Puddletown Pussies, GoGo Simba, & Tibeten Beef Garden (7:30 pm)

Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. All ages. Map

Tres Gone

Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099. Map

Sunday's Slave: DJ van Dis

Stumptown-Downtown, 128 SW 3rd Ave., 295-6144. Map

The Martyrs, Molly Bang, Sister Ray

Tonic Lounge, 3100 NE Sandy Blvd., 238-0543. Map

DJ Mello Cee

XV, 15 NW 2nd Ave., 790-9090. Map

Monday December 31top

Pete Krebs

23Hoyt, 529 NW 23rd Ave., 445-7400. All ages. Map

DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid

Ace Hotel, 1022 SE Stark St., 228-2277. All ages. Map

Sterilize Stereo, Right On John, Josh Cole Band

Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta St., 284-7665. All ages. Map

Pink Martini

[BUBBLY BIG BAND] If Pink Martini had been hosting those annual countdown parties on TV instead of Dick Clark and his ilk all these years, New Year’s Eve would have been worth tuning in for. Portland’s fave lounge lizards play the loungey pre-rock sounds that the Lawrence Welks and Guy Lombardos so treaclized—but with a knowing wink, immaculate musicianship and sincere commitment to the Cuban and other Caribbean rhythms that made the music sparkle before it got watered down for the Geritol set. This year’s guests include Oregon Symphony associate conductor laureate Norman Leyden, the Harvey Rosencrantz Orchestra, the Royal Blues of Grant High School and the highlight: MGM film queen Jane Powell, a Portland native who, in a six-decade career, danced with Astaire and starred in innumerable musicals for stage and screen (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), will narrate Sergei Prokofiev's classic Peter and the Wolf in a specially orchestrated version. Two shows, but tickets will be scarce nonetheless. BRETT CAMPBELL. 7 and 10:30 pm. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway., 248-4335. $36-$75.75. All ages. Map

Throwback Suburbia, black mercies, Mark Twain Indians

Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. All ages. Map

Gypsy Jazz Trio (6 pm)

Bar Mestizo at Andina, 1314 NW Glisan St., 228-9535. All ages. Map

Beadhead

Bethany Village Grill, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., 533-7736. Map

The Texecutioners

Biddy McGraw's, 6000 NE Glisan St., 233-1178. Map

Skeme Richards

Chesterfield, 1101 E Burnside St., 236-6133. All ages. Map

El DeBarge, Lakeside

[SOUL SURVIVOR] An investigative article in Vibe magazine earlier this year broke it down: The DeBarge clan is so troubled—riven by drugs, death and accusations of abuse—that they make the Jacksons look like the Osmonds. The article preceded El DeBarge's August arrest, reportedly on domestic violence charges; DeBarge claims it was for probation violations related to his coke-addicted past. As it was with Michael, El DeBarge's super-sweet falsetto was a mask for the pain of his family's dysfunction. Ironically, though, that same romantic croon should also make tonight's show a perfect New Year's destination for quiet-storm-loving couples. JEFF ROSENBERG. 9 pm. Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., 225-0047. $45. 21+. Map

"Karaoke From Hell"

Dante's, 1 SW 3rd Ave., 226-6630. All ages. Map

Western Aerial, Tri-polar

Devils Point, 5305 SE Foster Road., 774-4513. Map

Fir Ball 2008: Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven

[CAMP ’N’ COUNTRY] Do fans of both Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven exist? Both were founded by David Lowery, and the twofer certainly makes travel sense for their frontman, but crowds tend to get prickly about success drawn from lobotomizing one's muse. CVB's late-’80s, madly eclectic arthouse whimsy remains thrilling (even if the band failed to capitalize on its vision), while Cracker's limp, alt-by-numbers guitar rock always bored (and did). By emphasizing his, to be nice, distinct vocals and comically simplified lyrics, Lowery pushed mediocre tunes made corrosive through overplay atop the wasteland of mid-’90s radio. Camper's, um, camp does seem fond of the ’70s twang album tracks surrounding Cracker's hits—Lowery seems determined to push the band mixers; one imagines they'd have to find something to like. While it's hard to imagine the lingering Cracker fan base appreciating any part of CVB, it's far harder to imagine the lingering Cracker fan base. JAY HORTON. 9 pm. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. $40. 21+. Map

The Insomniacs

Duff's Garage, 1635 SE 7th Ave., 234-2337. Map

Golden Greats

Dunes, 1905 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 493-8637. All ages. Map

"Mattress Mondays"

East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. All ages. Map

Shut Up & Dance: DJ Gregarious

Fez Ballroom, 316 SW 11th Ave., 221-7262. All ages. Map

Jujuba, Sick Bay DJs

[AFROBEAT] Like pioneering African legend Fela Kuti, Jujuba’s 11-man afrobeat orchestra takes primal funk to new levels. Its songs are long and instrumental, incorporating polyrhythmic syncopation and heavy horns to create a sound that evokes Curtis Mayfield on safari. Don’t be fooled by the extended songs, improv and lack of vocals. A jam band this isn’t. Led by Nojeem Lasisi’s talking drum, Jujuba is a calculated symphony of funk, one guaranteed to have asses shaking when the ball drops at midnight. Rarely is funk this pure. AP KRYZA. 9:30 pm. Goodfoot, 2845 SE Stark St., 239-9292. $15. 21+. Map

Gotham Style New Year's Party w/ Steve Rodin & Friends

Gotham Tavern, 2240 N Interstate Ave., 517-9911. Map

Oregon Jazz Orchestra (7 pm)

Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., 224-3400. All ages. Map

New Year's Free Play Dance Party w/ The Beauty, Aminus, armatronix, El Ramos (7 pm)

Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch St., 796-9364. Map

Red Dakota Revival, Miss Anne Thrope, The Sauce Policy

Hawthorne Theatre, 3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 233-7100. Map

Linda Lee Michelet

Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway., 241-4100. All ages. Map

Nightclubbing: Linger & Quiet, DJs  Beyonda & Linoleum, 1996 Olympics

[DANCEATHON] Nightclubbing is a night that heats up Portland until it just can't get any hotter, which is especially grand on a—probably—frozen New Year's Eve. What will be stirring, you ask? For a night that has hosted Justice and Tim Sweeney of DFA Records, things are staying pretty local to help you ring in the New Year. The DJs providing your soundtrack range from the ever-present Linger & Quiet to hip-hop-savvy Beyonda, DJ Linoleum and the worldly Ariel Stark-Benz under the guise of 1996 Olympics. It's time to dance, baby! NILINA MASON-CAMPBELL. 9 pm. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 239-7639. $10 advance, $12 day of show. 21+. Map

Ida Viper, Lincoln Crockett

Imbibe, 2229 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-4002. Map

Andre St. James

Jax, 826 SW 2nd Ave., 228-9128. All ages. Map

International Male

Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave., 295-6542. All ages. Map

Amadan, Grafton Street, Kells Pipers

[JIGGA WHAT?] Amadan is probably responsible for more quaffed pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson than any other band in Portland. Its blend of traditional Irish fiddling and fluting, like that of the Dropkick Murphys and the Pogues before it (though Amadan is neither as aggressive nor lewd) is catchy enough to send anybody—Irish or nay—into a violent jig. Blended with a grimy dose of power-chorded punk are forays into traditional marches and folky interludes, punctuated by intense drumming and snarly vocals. Bottoms up! AP KRYZA. 7 pm. Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave., 227-4057. $20. 21+. Map

Dr. Theopolis, Redray Frazier, Bingo's Dream Band

Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave., 249-3983. 21+. Map

The Chair Project

Lagano Lounge, 1435 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 664-6140. All ages. Map

Kung Pao Chickens

[A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION JAZZ] Long a fixture at LaurelThirst, the Kung Pao Chickens’ plucky (get it?) acoustic jazz sounds like something that would come out of a hand-cranked phonograph. It’s catchy, and about as old-school as a band can be. I mean that as a compliment. The group is unabashedly grounded in the old-timey, and it hits all the right chords in its unabrasive performances. While it’s not exactly the stuff you rush to the front of the house to hear, it’s the perfect live complement to a night at a bar—something that catches the ear, yet never begs for attention. AP KRYZA. 7 pm. LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. Free. 21+. Map

Lynn Conover, Billy Kennedy & Time Acott (10 pm); Kung Pao Chickens (7 pm)

LaurelThirst Public House, 2958 NE Glisan St., 232-1504. All ages. Map

Bill Beach Duo (7 pm)

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. All ages. Map

Norman Sylvester Band, The Strange Tones; Sonny Hess Trio (Winery); The Strange Tones (Power Station Theater)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. Map

Melao de Caña

Mississippi Pizza, 3552 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3231. All ages. Map

Papa Salty New Year's Eve Party

Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N Lombard St., 283-5014. Map

DJ Heather, Dahlia, MarchFourth Marching Band

On Air, 1300 N River St., . All ages. Map

Lloyd Jones

Original Halibut's, 2525 NE Alberta St., 808-9601. All ages. Map

Big New Year's Eve Party: Pristine Blue & DJ Morgan

Ponderosa Lounge, 10350 N Vancouver Way., 345-0300. Map

Dave Lee (8 pm); Mark J (5 pm)

Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave., 450-0030. Map

Ocean 503

Portsmouth Pizza & Pub, 5264 N Lombard St., 289-4644. All ages. Map

Threshhold

Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. All ages. Map

Hatchet, Devastator, Embrace the Kill, Massive Meat Split, Warcorpse, Extractor

Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. All ages. Map

Year End Useless Party

Slabtown, 1033 NW 16th Ave., 223-0099. Map

Panther, Copy, DJs Broken Window & Hostile Takeover

[DANCE-FLOOR FREAKOUT] How do you plan to spend your New Year's Eve? You could watch the countdown from the comfort of your couch, with overprimped TV personality Ryan Seacrest for company, or you could freak out on the floor with a keytarist (that would be Copy) and get spazzy with the twosome that is Panther. If you're up for a good dance, Someday Lounge will provide you with your rhythm section—filling out the bill with DJs Broken Window and Hostile Takeover. Now hop to it and fill out that floor! Also see Best Local Albums of 2007. NILINA MASON-CAMPBELL. 9 pm. Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th Ave., 248-1030. $10. 21+. Map

New Year's Eve Bash w/ Scotland Barr, The Dimes

The Green Room, 2280 NW Thurman St., 228-6178. All ages. Map

Titans of Oblivion

The Knife Shop, 426 SW Washington St., 228-3669. All ages. Map

The Obituaries, The Shiny Things, Chris Newman Experiment

[BLUES PUNK] The Obituaries' frontwoman, Monica Nelson, has a ridiculous voice: It slips from rough-around-the-edges, froggy-throated rawk growls into sweet, honey-smooth croons with the greatest of ease, which is probably why Northwest legends the Obits are so damn hard to categorize. The music ranges from metal to swinging hard-bop to riff rock, but the soul embodied in Nelson's howl transcends genre—making the Tonic's end-of-year lineup (which also includes the Shiny Things, ex-Dead Moon drummer Andrew Loomis' new group) an appropriately timeless option for rocking in the new year (and one of the best in town). AMY MCCULLOUGH. 9:30 pm. Tonic Lounge, 3100 NE Sandy Blvd., 238-0543. Cover. 21+. Map

Tony Starlight's New Year's Show

Tony Starlight's, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 517-8584. Map

New Year's Eve Festive Concert

John Strege's blowout New Year's Eve concert at Trinity Cathedral has got to be the most raucous classical concert of the year. Although the performer lineup has been solid for a few years running now—including such luminaries as cellist Hamilton Cheifetz, the Oregon Renaissance Band, jazz pianist Randy Porter, and Strege's husband, baritone Kevin Walsh—there are always plenty of surprises. Last year's concert featured a big-band ensemble of bagpipes blowing through "Auld Lang Syne." Part of the proceeds benefit Sisters of the Road Cafe and Our House. STEPHEN MARC BEAUDOIN. 7:30 Monday, Dec. 31. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Ave., 222-9811. $10. All ages. Map

JR Sims

Tupelo Joe's, 10721 NW Sandy Blvd., 788-5150. All ages. Map

Funk Shui, Adrian H and The Wounds

White Eagle, 836 N Russell St., 282-6810. Map

John Gilmore Sings Sinatra

Wilf's Restaurant, 800 NW 6th Ave., 223-0070. All ages. Map

Shanghai Nights: Everyone Orchestra, Strings 4 Industry, Freak Mountain Ramblers

[JAM-BOREE] If you hate jam bands, the Everyone Orchestra could be the most evil manifestation in music—the very incarnation of hippie improv. For non-haters, it’s a miracle of free-form, highly danceable chaos. The group is a musical amoeba that sucks up members of other bands playing whatever city or festival (past players have included members of the Dead, Phish and SCI) it plays for monster jam performances. Centering on drummer-conductor Matt Butler, the New Year’s show features a bevy of locals, including Darol Anger, Scott Law, Tony Furtado, Tye North, Stephanie Schneiderman, Jans Ingber and others for a night of jammy bliss. AP KRYZA. 8 pm. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St., 284-8686. $35. 21+. Map

Gen.Erik & DJ Sneakers

XV, 15 NW 2nd Ave., 790-9090. Map

Tuesday January 1top

The Mixed Social: Critical, The Righteous and Harmonious Fists

Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. All ages. Map

Jazz Jam w/ Laura Cunard (7:30 pm)

Bethany Village Grill, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd., 533-7736. All ages. Map

DJ Wyld Chyld

East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. All ages. Map

Shadowplay: DJs Carrion, Uberlush & Horrid

Fez Ballroom, 316 SW 11th Ave., 221-7262. Map

Frank Tribble

London Grill, 309 SW Broadway., 228-2000. Map

Caleb Klauder & Sammy Lind (7 pm)

McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale., 669-8610. All ages. Map

Johnnie Ward & Eagle Ridin Papas

Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N Lombard St., 283-5014. Map

Jon Koonce

Original Halibut's, 2525 NE Alberta St., 808-9601. Map

Joe Preston's Mancampus: Koji Kondo, Red Herring, Teenage Cool Kids

Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. All ages. Map

Gnar Shred Fest: First Blood, Furious Styles, A Crows Glory, The Neon Hookers, Passing In Dreams, Braineaters, Ill Intent, True Competition, Open Fire, Unrestrained, Broseph, Rapid Fire Process (2 pm)

Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave., 227-0999. All ages. Map

Joe McMurrian Quartet w/ Jimi Bott, David Lipkind & Jason Honl

[PROGRESSIVE BLUES] No better way to start off a new year, if you—like the music of McMurrian and company—plan to be firmly grounded in the past but ready to jam with the future. Jimi Bott's powerhouse drumming, Jason Honl's supple bass work, and David Lipkind's daring harp runs support McMurrian's deft fretboard explorations and smoothly confident vocals, as the simpatico foursome gamely improvise from sturdy song structures both original and inherited. JEFF ROSENBERG. 8:30 pm. White Eagle, 836 N Russell St., 282-6810. Free. 21+. Map