Christmas comes early this week, as several local shows can’t wait to get into the holiday spirit. Here are six ways to celebrate the giving season a week before the real holiday.
- Monday, December 14: The Sleighriders charity show at Shank Hall, 7 p.m. ($20)
Rarely does the band itself come close to reaching a music club’s capacity, but the Sleighriders push those limits annually during its Christmas fundraiser at Shank Hall. Founded by original Cheap Trick singer Randy Hogan more than 30 years ago, the jolly collection of local musicians numbers around 40 of the scene’s most established names. The proceeds from the event benefits Variety, The Children’s Charity of Wisconsin. (1434 N. Farwell Ave., ShankHall.com)
- Tuesday, December 15: Darlene Love at Uihlein Hall, 7:30 ($36)
One of the greatest singers of all time according to Rolling Stone magazine, Darlene Love came to prominence as a Phil Spector singer in the ‘60s. She mostly worked as a back-up singer, but got her shine by performing lead vocals on the No. 1 hit “He’s a Rebel.” She also contributed to the popular Spector-produced Christmas album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector. (929 N. Water St., MarcusCenter.org)
- Saturday December, 19: Space Raft Christmas with Static Eyes and Joe Crockett at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m.
It’s unclear whether intergalactic beings celebrate the Christmas holiday, but local celestial, throwback power pop group Space Raft plan to this Saturday night at Cactus Club. Be on the lookout for new material, as the band plans to release both a 7 inch and a new album in the near future. (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
- Saturday December, 19: Holiday Special at Anodyne Coffee, 8 p.m. ($7)
Testa Rosa headlines this holiday spectacular with openers Mark Waldoch (formerly of The Celebrated Workingman) and friends. Testa Rosa closes out a successful year in which the band released its third full-length, III. (224 W. Bruce St., AnodyneCoffee.com)
- Saturday December, 19: Ugly Sweater Party at Mad Planet, 9 p.m. ($8; $5 with ugly sweater)
With the blatant commercialization of bottom rack clothing at top rack prices, the ugly sweater concept may be worn thin by now, but that doesn’t change the fact that Mad Planet still holds one of the best year-end holiday shows in town. This year’s bill includes bands that all put out successful albums this year, Jaill (Brain Cream), Midnight Reruns (Force of Nurture), Dogs in Ecstasy (Welcome 2 Hell) and Andi Action (All Lit Up). (533 E. Center St, Mad-Planet.net)
- Sunday, December 20: DigiTour SlayBells Ice at Turner Hall Ballroom, 4 p.m. ($25)
Take a peek into the terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad future with this tween variety show that includes stars born out of the social media age, notable names like Daniel Skye, Reed Deming, Jonah Marais, BruhItsZach, Rudanc, Nick Bean, Timmy Connors, Edwin Burgos and Dylan Dauzat. The show also features a performance from Rebecca Black, who scored the ugly holiday sweater of pop music hit with “Friday” back in 2011. Expect uses of terms like “bae,” “turnt,” “basic” and “on fleek.” (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
Stream of the Week
Devo acolytes Xposed 4heads were a forceful presence in the local music scene back in the ‘80s and ‘90s before taking a prolonged hiatus. They returned from the ether last year with a 7 inch and followed that release up with a new quirky full-length album, Choose to Be Human. The band plays a release show party this Satuday at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 1001 E. Locust St., with Dr. Chow’s Love Medicine. Doors open at 9 p.m. Cover is $7 and includes a CD copy of the album.
This Week in Live Music
Tuesday, December 15: George Winston at Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 7:30 p.m. ($34.50) –(929 N. Water St., MarcusCenter.org)
Wednesday, December 16: The Midwest Beat with Jaye Jayle and Sin Bad at Cactus Club, 9 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Friday, December 18: All Them Witches with New Madrid at Cactus Club, 9:30 p.m. – (2496 S. Wentworth Ave., CactusClubMilwaukee.com)
Also: Sam Cassidy with Great Lake Drifters at Club Garibaldi, 9 p.m. – (2501 S. Superior St., ClubGaribaldis.com)
And: Wave Chappelle with Trapo, Bankx and Meraki at The Miramar Theatre, 8:30 p.m. ($10-$15) – (2844 N. Oakland Ave., TheMiramarTheatre.com)
And: Surgeons in Heat with Earring, Teenage Woman and DJ Fuzzy Logic at Company Brewing, 9 p.m. ($5) – (735 E. Center St., CompanyBrewing.com)
Saturday, December 19: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades with Dead Man Winter and Old Man Luedecke at Turner Hall Ballroom, 8 p.m. ($13 advance; $15 door) – (1032 N. 4th St., PabstTheater.org)
