*This is the month of free open-bar work parties, so ask your corporate-world friends when their company plans to throw down. Also, this year my family said "Fuck Chritmas," so I'm gonna be in Vegas for 5 days...haven't had time to think about all the shows going on...been brushing up on my blackjack!

12.16.00 SA: SUBCULTURE GALLERY OPENING As far as rough-around-the-edges art galleries, there aren't a whole lot in Manhattan, but Subculture takes the cake. I hear it used to be a lot hipper, and now the art borders on just plain bad. Although the talent that is sprinkled in is worth a look. Check out work by a guy named Lucas and a guy named Jason Brown. Both of them had some worthwhile pieces in the last show. There's beer there too, and you can bring your own.

12.18.00 MO: AESTHETICS PARTY @ THE COOLER. This little label out of Chicago is hosting a free showcase party for one and all. Most of the bands on the label are quiet dreamy sounding rock bands with a little umph. L'Altra, 33.3 and Pulseprogramming are my faves. Check out their fancy-pants website.

12.20.00 WE: HOT SNAKES & RYE COALITION @ MERCURY LOUNGE After the 'Sup cocktail party at Sweet & Vicious, head over to the 'ol ML. Good rockin' time. If you liked Drive Like Jehu, then you'll like the Hot Snakes I guess.

12.31.00 SU: ENON, ARAB ON RADAR @ BROWNIES Finally some local bands worth seeing. I've never seen them, but I hear that Enon rocks dude...hell yeah! Members of Blonde Redhead & Brainiac representin' Enon.

01.12.00 FR: CHEAP TRICK @ IRVING PLAZA The first concert I ever saw was Cheap Trick and that was about 15 years ago...and they were old then. If these dudes can still rock it, I might just have to Surrender (Ha, Ha, Ha).

01.17.00 MO: ISOTOPE 217 @ VILLAGE UNDERGROUND Last time I saw them, they rocked. Each member takes his turn to add to the mix as the songs build up into a big frenzy and then gradually dissipate as you hear each individual instrument perfectly. I actually enjoyed this show and I usually just say, "Ehh, it was okay."

01.21.00 FR: SHELLAC & BLONDE REDHEAD @ KNITTING FACTORY I've never seen the infamous Shellac and will probably go just to see Steve Albini. Get your tix early for this one.

01.27.00 TH: DISMEMBERMENT PLAN @ KNITTING FACTORY Do you wanna dance at a rock show? Hell yeah you do! Go see these guys. I really love them and their live show is amazing. You can listen to their whole album on their website.

01.28.00 EUPHONE, LONESOME ORGANIST @ KNITTING FACTORY Euphone has a new album out that is pretty decent. I don't know much about them, but the kids seem to dig it.

More to come soon, soon, soon!!!

Let me know what I'm missing.