FRIDAY, DEC. 30, 2011 >>>

1. The music of James Hilborne and the Painkillers would be odd in any number of places, but, in Tacoma, it's more or less an anomaly. Ostensibly, the Painkillers play Americana: streaks of country twang and blues rock run through the band's songs, but these elements are accompanied by errant spells of psychedelia and druggy macabre. On record, the Painkillers' music is tremulous and strange, smothered as it is in the kind of haze that one might think would envelop country rock was born under Tacoma's unforgiving gloomy skies. James Hilborne and the Painkillers are the perfect band to send you drifting dreamily along into New Year's Eve, and from there the uncertain future. Catch the band tonight at the New Frontier Lounge with Humble Cub and special guests.

2. Xylophones, How To Operate Your Brain, Arpeggiator and Books & Covers play an all ages show tonight at the Red Room in Tacoma. Get hip to it. The action starts at 7 p.m. and there's a $5 cover.

3. In Olympia, enjoy the December's Eve Concert at South Puget Sound Community College's Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts tonight, featuring the SPSCC & PSCC Concert Choirs. It's an all ages event and kicks of at 7 p.m.

4. It's a big night for comedy in T-Town as Brian Moote gets into the groove of his weekend stand at the Tacoma Comedy Club, Brad Brake hits the stage at the Grit City Comedy Club and Comedy Underground presents Jim Short at Big Whisky Saloon downtown.

5. The always enjoyable Blackberry Bushes play Traditions Café and World Folk Art in Oly tonight. It starts at 8 p.m. and there is a $10-$15 cover.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music tonight

LINK: This week's freebies