Sun, Jan 2, The Slackers

Certainly not your typical ska band, the Slackers exude a great reverence for reggae, jazz and even dub classics. For the better part of nearly 20 years, this group has been anything but sedentary and, more importantly, have worked in defiance of their self-imposed moniker. Although their last release, The Great Rocksteady Swindle, came out in April earlier this year, expect the band to play newer material as well as classics from their earlier Hellcat Records output. Currently a six-piece ensemble led by the multitalented Vic Ruggiero (vocals and keyboards), this is one post-New Year’s show worth slotting into your Outlook calendar. 2708 J Street, www.theslackers.com.