Kinky December 15, the Engine Room In the same class as Cafe Tacuba, Kinky is a Mexican alt-rock band no stranger to electronic music and hip-hop. The group formed in Monterrey in the late '90s and has seen its star steadily rise, headlining Central Park's SummerStage this past July during New York's annual Latin Alternative Music Conference. Produced by John King of the Dust Brothers (Beck, Beastie Boys), Kinky's disco-heavy 2011 LP Sueno de la Maquina was nominated for two 2012 Latin Grammy awards. Watch Rocks Off for an interview with Kinky a little later on today. CHRIS GRAY
Brian Setzer Orchestra December 15, Arena Theatre For the past few holiday seasons, Stray Cats front man Brian Setzer has been on the road playing hepped-up Christmas standards with his rockabilly orchestra. He even manages to work "Stray Cat Strut" into a slinky version of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," while also paying homage to Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Bobby Helms. This ain't just a Christmas gig, though, because Setzer also throws a few more solo cuts and other Stray Cats stuff into the set list. CRAIG HLAVATY
New Orleans Suspects December 15, Last Concert Cafe If you think New Orleans music can't show you something new, or that the Neville Brothers, Meters, and the Radiators have funkdafied you as much as they can, give the New Orleans Suspects a try. As many N.O. musicians' do, the five Suspects' resumes can get a little lengthy and -- surprise! -- include familiar names like Professor Longhair, the Nevilles ("Mean" Willie Green has been the Brothers' drummer since the early '80s), Dr. John and Allen Toussaint. On keys is the most excellently and truthfully named CR Gruver, who helps Suspects' self-titled 2012 album light one more fiyo on the bayou. CHRIS GRAY
