Boston Does Christmas - Local Bands Release Christmas Songs

The Field Effect is offering a free download of their "Blue Christmas" track.

Local bands are getting into the Christmas spirit with original tracks and holiday covers. Take a listen and snag yourself some limited edition EPs, free downloads and festive tunes.

TT the Bear's Holiday Party and Anngelle Wood's 2nd Annual Gift Drive

Head to TT's on December 17th for local music and holiday fun!

Join Boston Emissions and the fine folks at your favorite neighborhood music venue for TT the Bear's Holiday Party and Annegelle Wood's 2nd Annual Spectacular Gift Drive on December 17th! The evening features performances by Corin Ashley (8p), Butterknife (8:30p), Ad Frank (9p), The Derangers (9:30), Aquanutz (10p), Sinnet (10:30p), 3/4 of Scamper (11p), Mike the Considerate and the Interns (11:30p), a Secret Holiday Themed Guest and more to be announced. For additional information on this free event, please visit the official Facebook event page.

Bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child of any age - toys, electronics, clothing, winter coats/hats/gloves, gift cards are all accepted. Donations go towards the DCF Kids Fund. The DCF Kids Fund was established in 1998 to supply emergency items such as diapers, hot meals, warm clothes, or a new toothbrush to abused and neglected children entering the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Monetary donations can also be made directly on the DCFKidsFund.com website.

Anngelle will also be accepting donations during the December 14th Indie Rock Ranger Holiday Spectacular at The Middle East Downstairs.

Indie Rock Ranger's Holiday Spectacular

Celebrate the holidays with Indie Rock Ranger - and don't forget your toy donation (poster credit)

On Saturday, December 14th, The Middle East Downstairs will host Indie Rock Ranger's Holiday Spectacular featuring some of Boston's favorite hometown bands.

Comcast Center Gets A New Name

What's in a name? Effective 12.11.13, the Comcast Center to is now the Xfinity Center (image credit)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Comcast and Live Nation today announced that the amphitheater, formerly called the Comcast Center, has been renamed the Xfinity Center, effective today, December 11, 2013.

The renaming of the venue reflects the Xfinity brand's strong awareness and resonance with consumers. The venue, which opened in 1986 and formally known as Great Woods and The Tweeter Center, has a capacity of 19,900 and hosts 35 to 40 concerts per year. "Live Nation and Comcast have developed a strong and rewarding relationship, and we are delighted to continue our alliance through 2017," said Don Law, president of Live Nation New England.

"We look forward to working with Comcast to make the newly rebranded Xfinity Center an entertainment destination for people across the greater Boston region and beyond." The 2014 season will be the venue's 29(th) year of world class live music concert events. Artists such as Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, One Direction and Boston's own Aerosmith have graced the stage at the Xfinity Center.

Read the full story over at The Wall Street Journal.

Boston Does Boston Vols. 1&2 – To Benefit The Animal Rescue League of Boston

26 record songs, 16 live bands, 3 nights, 2 venues, 1 cause.

Boston Does Boston is a startup benefit series, where diverse musicians and bands of the local music scene re-interpret each other's material for charity CDs and live events. All sales and ticket proceeds to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Boston. If you haven’t heard Sarah Rabdau & Self-Employed Assassins cover Dead Cats Dead Rats’ “No God in Massachusetts”, then you haven’t lived yet.

The Regulars - That's Fancy

The Regulars (Boston) at The Precinct 12.6.13 (image credit)

The Regulars, comprised of members of Big D and the Kids Table and Far From Finished, rocked out at Precinct Bar in Union Square, Somerville last night. With a current line up consisting of Marc Cannata (ex-Far From Finished, vox), Billy Bean (ex-Smartbomb, ex-Outbreak, Callback Holly - Guitars and Vox), Dave Siegel (Guitars), Steve Foote (ex-Big D and the Kids Table, Nick and the Adversaries - Bass) and Rick Smith (The Pomps, Rebuilder - Drums), this band is a collaboration of seasoned local musicians, creating a sound oozing with pop. Their live show was nothing short of entertaining with Smith and Bean generating some showmanship moves on stage during an anticipated energetic post midnight set. You can purchase their 5 song EP (Are You) A True Regular? for $3 on Bandcamp today. Check out their sound.