CKY and Murder Junkies at Alley Katz
Murder Junkies, you should know, was the band formed by the late punk nightmare GG Allin in 1991, two years before he died of a heroin overdose, and before he was buried with a bottle of whiskey, wearing a jockstrap and a leather jacket. Allin did some terrible things onstage, and the Junkies (along with GG’s brother Merle) keep his memory alive and filthy. They’re touring with CKY, which plays heavy experimental rock and has a family connection to the MTV show “Jackass,” another place to see people in jock straps doing terrible things. It’s a lot to pack into a Sunday, Dec. 17, 7-11 p.m. $15. 643-2816.
East/West Blue Harmonica Blowout at Shenanigans
Apparently in the world of the blues harp, there’s as much East/West rivalry as in hip-hop. But they seem to get on all right when put into a smoky bar and let loose. From the West, there’s Greg “Fingers” Taylor — who spent three decades as blues harpist for Jimmy Buffett — and the gritty sounds of harmonicist and singer Mitch Kashmar. Representing the east is our own Li’l Ronnie, backed by the Grand Dukes. Gunplay is unlikely, but the show is being recorded for a live CD, Thursday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. $15. 264-5010.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Richmond Coliseum
What’s holiday music without pyrotechnics? Without lasers? Without guitar solos? It sure isn’t TSO. Friday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m. $31-$46. Call 262-8100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Hamaganza 2006 at Alley Katz
If you’re trying to make a week of whiskey and jockstraps (see above), perhaps the latest incarnation of Hamaganza will suit. Dirtwoman as Mrs. Claus has some competition, City Councilman Manoli Loupassi sings “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” girls wear revealing outfits and dance to singing city councilmen, and there is much twisted holiday revelry Friday, Dec. 15, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 or free with canned ham. 643-2816.
Richmond Turntable Sessions v4.0 at Gallery5
Patchwork Collective spins improvisational music yet again, giving DJs Krames and Throdown and musicians Kelli Strawbridge, Marty McCavitt, Jason Gay, Taylor Barnett and others a shot at short-lived musical greatness. A DJ and a couple of musicians get 10 minutes to put together whatever a turntable, guitar or sax or other noisemaker of choice can produce. Tragically and/or fortunately, after that brief shot at life, the clock is reset and another attempt is made. Sort of the cycle of life, Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. $7. Wear a Christmas sweater to the show: $1 off. Bring a can of food: another $1 off. 644-0005.
Duchess of York at Alley Katz
Formerly the rock ‘n’ roll high-schoolers of the Rising Sons, most of the band members are almost old enough to stop being referred to as rock ‘n’ roll high-schoolers. Almost. Nevertheless, they’ve forged a new EP, coming out next year, which has further refined the jangling guitars, the slow nods to the blues, and the rasp of Michael York’s voice. They play Saturday, Dec. 16, with Official Performance Machines, The Diffusers and The Rothesays, 5-9 p.m. $5. 643-2816. S