Live Music Calendar

The holidays are upon us, but there are still some good live acts to see this week:

Wednesday
We have a feeling that Bob Schneider is probably on Santa’s “naughty” list this year, but that’s probably the way he wants it. Expect a more laid-back, acoustic Bob for this show, combining his folk-rock story-telling with some ditties that your mother would be horrified to hear.
8 p.m. at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck | tickets and info

Thursday
This year’s Annual Christmas Songwriter’s Showcase includes the usual suspects in Texas country – Roger Creager, Randy Rogers, Billy Joe Shaver, Wade Bowen and Fred Andrews. With tickets starting at $17.50, you really get the bang for your buck.
8 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Theater | tickets and info

If country isn’t your cup of tea, maybe you’d be interested in some Jewish Hip-Hop. Chutzpah considers themselves the first ever Jewish Hip-Hop supergroup (so, were the Beastie Boys the first Jewish rap group?).
8 p.m. at the Engine Room | tickets and info

Friday
Houstonist remembers partying with the Banana Blender Surprise in the 1990’s (our memory is kind of sketchy, since their shows usually had us consuming many adult beverages). For the past four years, the band members have been involved in other projects (El Orbits, Allen Oldies Band), but just in time for the holidays, Banana Blender Surprise brings the party back to Houston.
9:30 p.m. at the Continental Club | tickets and info

Sunday
By Sunday night, Houstonist will need a break from the family. We can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas night than catching Tody Castillo at Rudyard’s. Splendid Magazine claims his debut album “will make Ryan Adams weep with jealousy.” This is one Houston native to keep your eyes and ears on.
9 p.m. at Rudyard’s | tickets and info

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Pictured, L to R: Banana Blender Surprise; Tody Castillo; Chutzpah.