Haven’t left for the holidays yet? Staying in town for the strangely warm holiday week ahead? Thank goodness! There’s a long list of great shows to choose from this weekend. We know you’re sick of Christmas music so shake those lingering carols out of your head by checking out some newly opened venues, free acoustic shows, or head to DIY spaces for a sweaty, good time. Also don’t forget about the holiday parties galore (especially our own, which happens tonight)! Get your pre-holiday rock on all weekend long with our top shows Thursday through Sunday!
#10 Sharkmuffin, Haybaby, Hippy, The Doubts @ Muchmore’s (FRI 8PM, $7)
This show should be pretty easy to rock out to. Sassy lady vocals, blended male/female vocals, surf-y guitar meets jangly dance-rock, and a mystery band with no internet past (The Doubts!). It’s probably a good idea to get your jingle bell rock on with these rad bands on Friday night.
#9 Magic Man (DJ), Neighbors, Lazyeyes, Powwow!, Nicholas Nicholas, 100 Watt Horse @ Radio Bushwick (FRI 8PM, $10)
Radio Bushwick is knocking it out of the park with ridiculously fun shows. BirdDog Holiday showcases five bands with good vibes and and danceable drum beats. There is even a special guest to be announced. Radio Bushwick promises that there will be christmas cookies and a tree. Plus, if you bring ornaments/lights, you get $2 off admission. So do it!
#8 Bird Courage, Goodbye Picasso, The Rusty Guns, The Ryan Scott Four @ Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 (SAT 8:30 PM, FREE)
Get ready for some badass guitar stylings and some fun folk rock. Celebrate your pre-Christmas weekend with beautiful harmonies and chilling melodies. Also catch a band before they blow up; Brooklyn band Bird Courage just got their album distributed in Rough Trade stores! It’s not Brooklyn, but it is free, the music is lovely and it’s pretty near cheap indian food.
#7 Bushwick Daily Holiday Party with DJ Opalrock @ The Rookery (THURS 8:30PM, FREE with RSVP!)
Clearly, everyone should go to the Bushwick Daily Holiday Party, not only will there be awesome music DJ all night long, but there will be a photo booth, a secret drink special, an interactive gratitude tree, and a Bushwick Farmers Market stand. Bring your own mistletoe and you are all set. RSVP here to party like it’s Bushwick, Christmas style.
#6 Dinosaur Bones, Bright Future, Mainland @ Cameo Gallery (FRI 8PM, $10-$12)
A nice mix of catchy indie rock and electro music. For both those who like straight up guitar rock as well as having a bit of a dance party while they are at it, this is your show. Looks like if tickets are bought in advance they are only $10 instead of $12, so don’t wait!
#5 LVL UP, Julia Brown, High Pop, Alex G, Pill Friends @ Silent Barn (SAT 8PM, $7)
Looking for some lo-fi action? Maybe some punk drums or jangly guitar and surprising bleeps and blurs? This is the place to go. Maybe you can get your hair cut and buy some sweet records for Christmas presents while you are at it.
#4 Eternal Summers, Bleeding Rainbow, Sasha Frantz (Splashh), Little Big League @ Glasslands (SUN 8PM, $10)
Kanine Records’ holiday party is happening on Sunday, keeping your weekend jam-packed. Each band packs a punch of indie rock charm and extreme sway-ability, which will keep your head bopping. Plus, we featured Eternal Summers as our Listening Party artist this past week! This is definitely worth the $10.
#3 Tennis System, Slow Warm Death, Nuraxi, Dialogue From A Silent Film @ Shea Stadium (SAT 8PM, $8)
Washed out vocals, splashing cymbals and distorted guitar are always best when heard at DIY venues like Shea Stadium. Check out this assortment of fuzzy yet melodic bands in the Bushwick area before trudging home in the possible snow.
#2 Tonstartsbandht, Porches, Slonk Donkerson, Turnip King, Sunflower Bean @ Trans-Pecos (SAT 7:30PM, $7)
Trans-Pecos is an all ages venue that recently opened in Ridgewood off the Halsey L! Todd P’s baby is a new chapter to the old Silent Barn Space. This show is bringing together bands with names involving plants, things on houses and absurdity. Enjoy mellow sounds with snare rolls, catchy guitar riffs and a lot of reverb.
#1 Soft Black, The Teen Age, Little Racer, Emerald Rats @ Radio Bushwick (THU 7:30PM, $7)
Another great line-up for Saturday night, featuring some Bushwick favorites like The Teen Age and Soft Black. All the bands offers something really unique and exciting to the show, but all sets will be upbeat and full of energy, which is fitting since that seems to be what Radio Bushwick is all about.