Show me, the holidays

All SN&R’s music scribes want for Christmas is: 1. the city to finesse its red tape and allow more music venues, and 2. people to actually go freak-nutso at shows—dance, bounce, sweat, breakdown! Of course, if you have No. 2, this impacts the likelihood of No. 1. So maybe it’s not the sagest of wish lists. And so, as a consolation we also wouldn’t mind a set by Justice at the former Arco Arena for Hanukkah (riiiight) and a payday for every local musician for Kwanzaa (ditto). All right, for those quasi-athiests out there that still don’t mind a present every once in a while (you know who are), maybe we’ll just take these 25 awesome gigs to round out the last few weeks before that fat white guy in the red-velvet suit shows up.

Jazz and coffee

Gigs at Naked Lounge Downtown are intimate. The artists perform at eye level in a low-ceilinged room, the stage tucked in the corner. It’s an ideal spot for good jazz; hence, the recommendation for this show with Island of Black & White, Garage Jazz Architects, and Doug Newton. Thursday, December 1, at Naked Lounge Downtown, 1111 H Street; 8:30 p.m.; $5; all ages.

Holiday fun-raising

This Midtown Monthly holiday party features not only deejays, a toy drive for Sacramento Children’s Home, and a raffle, but the Best Christmas Band Ever—spawn of cover band Best Summer Ever?—will perform for free. Get your good-cause giving on. Saturday, December 3, at Luigi’s Fun Garden, 1050 20th Street; 6 p.m.; no cover; all ages.

Metal prom night

Dang, this looks … heavy: Jack Ketch, the Kennedy Veil, Drop Seven, Awaiting the Apocalypse, Gary Busey Amber Alert and Bipolar at this multi-band holiday “heavy-metal prom” blowout. Earplugs optional, but recommended. Saturday, December 3, at the Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale; 6:30 p.m.; $10; all ages.

Experiment a little

Noise/jazz/experimental pop four-piece Gentleman Surfer plays for the second time ever, first at Javalounge, with the venerable Art Lessing & the Flower Vato. Glad to see the ’Lounge back in action. Saturday, December 3, at Javalounge, 2416 16th Street; 8 p.m.; $5; all ages.

Bad drummers, boy

SN&R’s Nick Miller and others will be participating in this weekend’s Non-Drummer Drum-Off, featuring local musicians who suck at drums. Sounds … hella bad. Sunday, December 4, at the Zuhg Life Store inside the Downtown Plaza; 3 p.m.; no cover; all ages.

Ty Segall-esque

Mikal Cronin plays bass for S.F. garage-noise rockers Ty Segall. At this gig, he steps forward to play his own tunes—which are delightful. Babs Johnson Gang (new album) and Fine Steps open. Sunday, December 4, at Luigi’s Fun Garden, 1050 20th Street; 8 p.m.; $5; all ages.

White noise

The Harley White Jr. Trio stops in at Ross Hammond’s Nebraska Monday’s series for a set of some real warm jazz tunes. Monday, December 5, at Luna’s Café & Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street; $5-$10; 7 p.m.; all ages.

Jam and stories

Everyone’s favorite jam-rock, folk and indie fun storytellers Be Brave Bold Robot headline this downtown gig with openers Pushtonawanda. Added bonus: Drive your car to the club’s entrance on K Street, it’s OK now! Friday, December 9, at Marilyn’s on K, 908 K Street, 9:30 p.m.; $8; 21 and over.

Pedro the Lion, sorta

Vocalist of the band that was, Pedro the Lion, Dave Bazan, now gigs solo and headlines this night with his backing band. Do not miss. Sunday, December 11, at the Blue Lamp, 1400 Alhambra Boulevard; 8 p.m.; $10-$12; 21 and over.

It goes to 100

Another local music mag, Submerge, commemorates its 100th issue this evening with Sister Crayon, Tera Melos, Ganglians, Zuhg, Early States, Random Abiladeze, DJ Blackheart, DJ Rated R and others. Friday, December 16, at Ace of Spades, 1417 R Street; 6:30 p.m.; $12-$14; all ages.

Holiday chaos!

Jamie’s Elsewhere, Ten After Two, the Winter Formal, the Seeking and many many more unite for this “Christmas Chaos 2011” party in Roseville. Friday, December 16, at Club Retro, 1529 Eureka Road in Roseville; $10-$12; 5 p.m.; all ages.

Stallion love

Indie-electronic duo Hearts + Horses drops its latest at this launch party with Afternoon Teacup Collection and Randy McKean. Friday, December 16, at Bows & Arrows, 1815 19th Street; 8 p.m.; $5; all ages.

Got Sol?

Veteran emcee Aceyalone headlines this www.themashup.net gig at the free-car-winning Sol. Locals to open, fo’ sure. Friday, December 16, at Sol Collective, 2574 21st Street; 9 p.m.; $5.

Screeching waffles!

The 33rd incarnation of the Sacramento Audio Waffle noise party, with free breakfast eats served, will feature the quietly alluring duo of Wes Steed and Kevin Corcoran. Sunday, December 18, at Javalounge, 2416 16th Street; noon; $5; all ages.

The last Sunday

Will there be a DJ Flower Vato and DJ Hailey dance party on Xmas? Dunno—but there’s one tonight, as usual, and it’s free before 10 p.m. Sunday, December 18, at The Press Club, 2030 P Street; 9 p.m.; a few bucks; 21 and over.

Pop! Rock!

Local indie-poppers Method Echo headline with openers the Elevators at this midweek gig. Go out on a Wednesday, why doncha? Wednesday, December 21, at Harlow’s, 2708 J Street; 9 p.m.; $10, 21 and over.

Does Santa twang?

Prepare yourself for pints of British beer and knee-slappin’ country goodness at this “A Very Twangy X-mas” party with the Dry Creek Rounders and the Bathtup Gins. Friday, December 23, at Fox & Goose, 1001 R Street; 8 p.m.; $5; 21 and over.

Rock for Tots VI

Local bands the Lonely Kings, A Single Second, I’m Dirty Too, and Street Urchinz unite for a night of charity. Bring a toy for the Salvation Army, get a raffle ticket—it’s the sixth annual Rock for Tots! Friday, December 23, at Ace of Spades, 1417 R Street; 6:30 p.m.; $10; all ages.