Blow me down, Sweet Crude Bill and the Lighthouse Nautical Society.

By Todd Lavoie




Another new year, another new year's resolution - but rather than going for the usual tired song-and-dance about eating less or becoming thriftier or getting more organized (yawn), how about something with a bit more spark - and sparkle! - for 2008? Here's a pinky-finger handshake I made with myself that maybe just maybe might work for you too as a new-leaf-turner: this year, I'm going to make a special point to see more shows from Bay Area musicians.

How's that? Talk about easy, painless - hell, it doesn't even require any personal sacrifice (other than a little cash and maybe the gumption to leave the house on a cold January night, an admittedly tough prospect right now as I stare out my window watching daisy chains of trash bins, plastic bags, and dead umbrellas floating downriver as that Biblical rain keeps on pouring outside, sigh).

Plus, you'll be supporting the local arts scene: better to enjoy it now, lest the renter's market goes completely nutso and sends all of the creative and underpaid - not to mention some of the most interesting - minds of the area a-packing! Mercifully, that doomsday scenario hasn't happened, and we here in the Bay can boast of having one of the most fertile musical playgrounds in the entire country, thanks to the wealth of free-thinkers and the venues that support them. Ah, we are blessed, verily and truly. So, while we're ruminating away in gratitude, here are some upcoming wingdings worthy of taking a step-outside: