Music Menu 

Christmas Songwriter's Night -- Jeff Williams has put together this showcase of local talent for a few years now and each year the roster grows bigger and bigger. With that being said, it would almost be easier to list the bands that won't be performing this year, but with it being the season to give, we'll divulge the goods. Among those expected to crank out a tune or two are Jay Garrigan, Tony Greene, Rodney Lanier, Pyramid, Bellglide, Major Nelson, Deanna Lynn (Campbell), Leisure McCorkle, Justin Williams, Filmschool, Fudd and Kate Felder. The evening's finale will most likely feature an all out jam of anyone sober enough to still perform. Or at least stand... Double Door Inn (Lynn Farris)

One Year Later -- They've got all the melodic pop hooks down pretty solid while the songwriting is pretty perky in itself. So what's wrong with that? Well, each song sounds like the second verse of the previous song. To those who seek catchy sing along rock songs, by all means check 'em out. I need to hear more oomph to get the sound in my head to stay there, though I think they can be a fun date band. Amos' Southend. Amos' Southend (Shukla)

THURSDAY 12.19

Dynamo Dresden / Todd Busch -- Fans of Tara Busch's previous work (Sheva, Dahli Llama) ought to check out this show. The trippy Dynamo is the strongest act she's worked with yet, showcasing her impressive pipes to fine effect without resulting to full-on wails. Her brother Todd (The Flyweb) will also perform, and word has it the two siblings will even do a few songs together. See our story in this issue. The Evening Muse (Davis)

Katsckillz Project / Elevator Action -- Two talented acts have joined forces to pay tribute to Prince, the artist formerly known as "the artist formerly known as Prince." As confusing as that may sound, the bands will make much more sense as the Katsckillz do their ultra-cool Hip Hop thang and Elevator Action rock it out a bit. The latter is the new project of Eric Gilstrap, formerly (here we go again) of Borghal Rantipole. The Steeple Lounge (Lynn Farris)

FRIDAY 12.20

Danielle Howle -- Appearing here without her band The Tantrums, SC's Howle does just that -- howl --with an originality and verve not seen very often with acoustic singer-songwriter types. Able to rise from a mannered croon to an aching wail at the drop of a G-chord, and a nuanced, attentive songwriter able to see both the world in a grain of sand and a grain of sand in the world. Why she's not causing as big of a popular fuss as, say, Tift Merritt, is completely beyond me. With Black Eyed Dog. The Evening Muse (Davis)

MoRisen Records Showcase -- Well, actually it's a "Music Xtravaganza," put on by the newish local label, MoRisen, that put out the recent Leisure McCorkle disc, Jet Set Baby. The event runs both tonight and tomorrow -- tonight's acts are Leisure, Parklife, Bellglide, and Mike Mitschele's new product, Filmschool; tomorrow offers the b-Sides, Marat, U-phonik, and the Alternative Champs. Visulite Theatre (Davis)

Unknown Hinson -- The almost unclassifiable Unknown Hinson is now armed with a big 'ol major label deal for his album Rock 'N' Roll is Straight From Hell, and a whole coterie of glittery admirers, including Billy Bob Thornton, Matt Groening, Hank III and the Reverend Horton Heat. Youngerns that haven't checked out the penner of such classics as "Peace Love And Hard Liquor" and "Don't Bite The Lips That Kiss You" owe it to themselves to check him out. Party liquor fans and loose womerns probably already have their tickets. Double Door Inn (Davis)

SATURDAY 12.21

Semi-Pro / The Dead Kings -- Not a show for the faint of heart, this one. Semi-Pro's robot rock is sublime even as it's heavy as hell, with singer Tony James' voice (imagine something like Fu Manchu's Dave Hill) adding just the right amount of polish to the band's pharmaceutically precise fuzzrock. The Dead Kings' newest CD, For All Those Hot Black Chicks, is out now on Scat Boy Records (USA) and Scarey Records (Italy), and includes, I shit you not, a special appearance by Beetlejuice of The Howard Stern Show. The band's also working on a seven-inch being pressed in Europe, and even have their own brand of homebrew -- Hot Black Brew -- for sale. If it's anything like their music, it's dark, a little mysterious, and packs a big 'ol politically incorrect wallop. Tremont Music Hall (Davis)

SUNDAY 12.22

Double Door Anniversary Party -- Just one year shy from turning the big 3-0, the good ol' Double Door will celebrate its 29th anniversary tonight. The Federal Bureau of Rock & Roll, a one time Sunday night staple at the club, has even reunited with its original line-up no less to help founder and owner Nick Karres celebrate. The band consists of brothers Lenny and Michael Federal along with Bill Walpole, Mahlon Thomas and Wendell Elliott. The night is sure to be a blast with regulars from the past and present dropping by to raise a glass to the bar and its staff...not to mention the Federal brothers can still play some fine music as well. Double Door Inn (Lynn Farris)