Twas the weekend before Christmas, part 1

And Portland is rocking ... so push pause on your holiday prep and whatever other busyness has you distracted and consider gathering some friends and heading out to enjoy music together.  Hey ... even pay their cover - better gift than cookies or a pair of socks!

I'm finally mostly over my crud (hope y'all aren't suffering with the nasty cold that's been making the rounds) and ready to get out tonight to hear some tunes.  The problem is what to choose ... too many great options for tonight ...

For early no cover happy hour music music - of course there's Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm), but you can also try the Lincoln Crockett Electric Trio at the White Eagle (5:30 pm), Rollie Tussing at the Secret Society Ballroom (6 pm), or Morgan Grace at Biddy McGraws (6 pm).

What something a little more holiday-themed?  Best bet tonight is the Celtic Christmas Celebration at the Alberta Rose Theatre with Molly’s Revenge, Moira Smiley, and the Gabrielle Maher Irish Dancers ... 7:30 pm, $20

It will packed tonight over at The Woods for their first annual Holiday Special with a host of Portland indie music acts performing holiday songs and other faves ... and this is a bargain at $5 ... 8 pm

At Duff's Garage tonight, KMHD DJ and all-round music maven, Jane Manning, celebrates her birthday and the holiday season with JaneFest featuring the muliti-award winning and nominated Karen Lovely Band.  Come out and celebrate with Jane! ... 9 pm, $10

Twice a year (holiday time and St Patrick's Day), Irish and punk music fans look forward to the rollicking shows of K.M.R.I.A., the all star Pogues tribute band (Scott McCaughey, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Casey Neill, Hanz Araki, Jesse Emerson, Ezra Holbrook, and Derek Brown).  Tonight begins a two night run at the Secret Society.  Get your tickets here - they are going fast ... 9 pm, $12

It time for the Monsters of Accordion at the Kennedy School with special guest Eric Stern of Vagabond Opera ... 7 pm, $10

Mel Brown has his souflul B3 Organ Band in the usual Thursday slot at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm, $5

Lauren Sheehan is at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover

Steve Kerin will be massaging the keys of the Chapel Pub's organ ... taking your requests all evening for holiday songs (or anything else you might think of) ... 8 pm, free

Lloyd Jones and band are again doing a regular Thursday night at the Tillicum Club (and a lot of folks are very happy!) ... 8 pm, no cover

Thursdays at The Blue Monk rotate between the blues duo of Curtis Salgado and Alan Hagar with the jazz band of Alan Jones ... tonight it's Salgado and Hagar .... 8 pm, $10

Wendy & The Lost Boys bring their high energy acoustic tunes to the Alberta Street Pub ... 9 pm, $??

See ... how you gonna decide?  Pick something to brighten the holiday season .... and more coming for the weekend!