HOMEGROWN HOLIDAY HOEDOWN

At 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16

American Legion Post 135, 1108 Bull St. $10 advance, $15 at the door

Unopened, unwrapped toys will be collected at the door for Toys for Tots, as the Accomplices, a relatively new, acoustic-based Savannah string band - celebrate the release of the CD Canned Beans.

The hard-rocking Niche shares the bill, just back from a northeastern club tour that includes shows in New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Then there's the Train Wrecks, still tearing it up after the 2010 release of their second CD, Saddle Up. Jason Bible, Eric Dunn and Stuart Harmening are playing with a new drummer these days, Paxton Willis.

SAVANNAH SONGWRITERS IN CONCERT

At 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

Sentient Bean, 13 Park Ave.

The beneficiary here is the SAFE Shelter, a non-profit home for victims of domestic abuse. Admission is a non-wrapped toy, as there are, sadly, plenty of children at the shelter.

Lauren Lapointe is the ringleader for this all-acoustic night of merriment. She'll play a set, along with sets from Jason Bible of the Trainwrecks, Mark Carter, Todd Murray (as Sincerely, Iris), Brenda Morie and - wait for it - yours truly.

So this is Christmas, and what have you done?

VERY MERRY HOLIDAY BASH

At 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

Tantra Lounge, 8 E. Broughton St. $5

The sort of weirdness and madcap mirth you'd expect from this cast of characters. A Christmas play with Burlesque Queen Melody Gore, Anitra Opera Diva, Ford, Niema Screama and others, and a poster that promises Girls! Bands! Prizes! And Drag Queens!

As if that weren't enough, the punky Brewster Bands! are Savannah's Free Candy, and the Vaginas and the Dynos (both from Atlanta), all of which know more than a thing or two about multi-colored shock and awe.