Mon. Dec. 25 – A friend of mine used to send out Xmas cards in July, which is no funnier than celebrating The Nativity today, on the birthday of Mithras, a sun god popular among the Roman military. The Emperor Constantine merged Mithraism with early Christianity to create a stratified, aggressive, idolatrous cult in place of the egalitarian, loving, monotheistic philosophy preached by Jesus of Nazareth, who, if one calculates from the Gospel of Luke or various other factors, was born in any season except winter. But don't let that keep you from shopping.
Thurs. Dec. 28 – Todd Rundgren celebrates this year's eclectic "White Knight" (which features guest stars such as Robin Zander, Joe Walsh, Donald Fagen and Trent Reznor) with a Utopian group including Prairie Prince and Kasim Sulton. Pretty sure he'll do "Hello, It's Me" too. Hey, maybe trumpeter Randy Brecker (who played on "A Wizard, a True Star" and whom I recently heard with Mike Stern) is available. At the Rose, 245 E. Green St., Pasadena 91101; doors 6pm, reserved spots must be grabbed by 7pm, headliner 9pm; $38-$68; (888) 645-5006; www.roseconcerts.com.
Fri. Dec. 29 – Elliott Caine's trumpet and quartet fluff your mainstream jazz pillows. Read my review of a recent show here. At Colombo's Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 9:30pm-midnight; no cover; (323) 254-9138.
Fri. Dec. 29 –The trumpet-sax duo of Dave Williams & Steve Bowie play standards, but probably with some license, considering their avantish leanings. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Sat. Dec. 30 – Yup, The Original Misfits means the horrorpunk '80s band including Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only and Doyle Von Frankenstein. The fans have long demanded this reunion, considered impossible because of interior animosity, and Glenn's once again knockin' 'em dead singing about the JFK assassination. With Alkaline Trio, Discharge. At the Forum, 3900 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305; 7pm; $35-$235 (sold out, but y'know); www.ticketmaster.com.
Sun. Dec. 31 – Drink at home. The ass you save may be your own.
* * *
Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here. Read Brick Wahl's noirish music commentaries here.