[INDIE POP] + SAT, DEC. 21

Two of the influences cited by Dames do well to encapsulate their particular charm: Mac DeMarco and Tacoma's own (possibly defunct?) Makeup Monsters. What all three of these groups have in common is a certain embrace of a slacker ethos, which presents not as apathy, but as a shaggy energy. Instead of having a blasé attitude to match their laid-back vibes, Mac DeMarco, Makeup Monsters and now Dames, all have a deep, abiding love for catchy songcraft and a reverence for the godfathers of outsider pop such as Jonathan Richman and Gordon Gano. Dames make sunny indie pop that isn't afraid of hooky backing vocals ("oohs" and "aahs" abound) and reaches back as much for classic inspiration as it does reach out for the trendy jangle of today. {REV. ADAM MCKINNEY}

DAMES, w/Hunnywell, Evan Main, 7:30 p.m., Sanford and Son Library, 755 Commerce St., Tacoma, $5 donation, 253.272.0334

[PSYCHEDELIC ROCK] + SAT, DEC. 21

I keep hearing about DBST. Facebook feeds, fliers around town and in conversations overheard at the bar. So, when I saw they were playing the growing tradition of the winter "Soulstice" event held in the Olympia Ballroom, I figured it was time to check them out. A Youtube search brings up a video of the band's intimate performance at the Pig Bar. My first impression was Grateful Dead, not so much in the sound, although it wouldn't be too far-fetched, but in the instant roll into psychedelic rock. The song, Every Word, was 8:53 minutes long if that tells you anything. The three piece easily slips into jam space where conversation from the bar can peep through the recording, but not because the music has become disengaging, but rather as a compliment to the band's ability to change tempo and dynamic with the flick of a wrist. {NIKKI MCCOY}

DBST, w/The Hard Way, a light show and burlesque, 9 p.m., $10, Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way, Olympia, $10, 360.259.1589

[HIP-HOP] + SAT, DEC. 21

There aren't many celebrities in the South Sound, but there are people who make our communities better just with their presence and energy - of course, coupled with good deeds and service.  In the local hip-hop community - with a touch of 206 - Heretic The Heathen (representing The 360 real tough-like) is just one of those people.  The rappin'-ass promoter/battler/media man will join Puget, Ang P, Patron and Akeem, and special marquee battle featuring SOS vs. Double B, in downtown Oly. Heretic is one of the problem-solvers and do-gooders - not because he's trying to do good, but because it's the right thing to do - in our community. Join him and the other talent at this public party with party people and DJ DP Sea on the 1s and 2s. {JOSE GUTIERREZ JR.}

HERETIC'S BIRTHDAY PARTY, 9 p.m., Jezebels Bar & Grill, 414 Fourth Ave., Olympia, $5, 360.915.6503

[COMEDY MUSIC] + SAT, DEC. 21

The landscape of music is lousy with bawdy comedy music - from the party records of the '50s and '60s, through on to Blowfly's reign as the king of bad taste, and a slew of generally puerile and juvenile underground releases catching dust in discount bins - but this trend has largely slowed down. Part of the genre's decline is as a result of the comparatively more open culture we live in today, which doesn't quite necessitate getting kicks from records where people say bad words. Regardless, Shmuskin (Andy Shmuskin, that is) seems to be carrying that torch, not least with his holiday classic, "Christmas Cunnilingus." Just a man and his guitar, writing filthy folk paeans and tributes like "Sarah Silverman," where he laments that the "thinking man's sex symbol" dated Jimmy Kimmel. Shmuskin's giddily lowbrow songs are a welcome return to those crass old party records. {REV. AM}

SHMUSKIN, 10 p.m., Le Voyeur, 404 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, no cover, 360.943.5710

See Also

Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife