Holiday musical distractions

We're having a good Christmas so far, but between Aunt Peggy's constant nagging ("When are you going to settle down and get married?") and our new nephew's constant crying and screaming, we need a break. After dinner, we should be able to get away from the family for a bit. Most places are closed, but there are a few options: seeing a movie is the obvious one, but the crowds won't help us relax. Now, a good live band and a beer -- that sounds more like it.

A few concert venues are opening tonight for your musical pleasure:

• Rudyard's is hosting Houston's own Tody Castillo (pictured above), who'll please the crowd with pop/rock gems from his 2005 debut album, along with new tracks from his upcoming sophomore release. [music begins at 11 p.m.]

• The Continental Club's Christmas Bash offers several local favorites in different genres: From country-flavored headliner Katie Stuckey and The Swagger (who we interviewed last month), pop/rock outfit The Handsomes, and rock band Thunderado. [music begins at 9:30 p.m.]

• Punk fans won't want to miss Fitzgerald's Punk-Masa, headlined by our own 30 foot FALL, with Brian’s Johnson and The World’s Most Dangerous Band joining the bill. [music begins at 8 p.m.]

You can also catch some cover bands at a certain local pub. Whichever you choose, it'll probably help keep your sanity intact on Christmas day.