A last-minute heads-up for two outstanding shows on THURSDAY (the 15th) — a freebie at the Newport Blues Café (401.841.5510) features JOE FLETCHER & THE WRONG REASONS, THE WANDAS, and THE SKINNY MILLIONAIRES, while a big weekend at the Whiskey Republic (401.588.5158) kicks off with KNIFE PARTY and party-thrash kings SHE RIDES, free of charge! Head back to the Whiskey on FRIDAY (the 16th) for the SHAMROCK-N-ROLL FESTIVAL, starring DROPKICK MURPHYS, with special guests and a boxing demo by Micky Ward (South Water Street will be totally bananas; prepare yourself). Check ticket availability at dropkickmurphys.com. There's a pair of quality, no-dough shows on Friday in the Jewelry District — a four-band attack at Nick-a-Nee's (401.861.7290) with BOO CITY, SIT DOWN BABY, TEN-FOOT POLECATS, and PORK CHOP HOLDER, and around the corner at the Apartment (401.228.7222) 75orLess strikes again with BAYLIES BAND, SIX STAR GENERAL, and VERTICAL TWIN (per 75orLess: "their soundcloud drops motorcycles, mental illness, and sex"). At Firehouse 13, check out KINK ARDOR with locals MINKY STARSHINE and BROADCASTER (look up their new set of demos titled Tiger Tested). FH13 is the place to be for hard rock heads on SATURDAY (the 17th) when BIRCH HILL DAM and SUPERLIMIT support Best Music Poll '11 champs KANERKO (new album Delusions of Grandeur due this November); call 401.270.1801 for info on both shows. A busy Saturday in PVD continues with SANTA MAMBA heating up the Spot Underground (401.383.7133), and a PRONK! FEST FUNDRAISER at Dusk (Harris Ave, 401.714.0444) delivers WHAT CHEER? BRIGADE and THE EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION BAND. Nice! Coastal Roasters and Evelyn's in Tiverton co-host the annual SINGING OUT AGAINST HUNGER benefit this weekend with plenty of great local acts, including ALLYSEN CALLERY, CHRIS ROSENQUEST, ED MCGUIRL, THE 'MERICANS, HEATHER ROSE, MARK CUTLER, and the KIM LAMOTHE TREE-OH; call 401.265.2146 or visit singingoutagainsthunger.org for the full sked. A new weekly hip-hop/rap series kicks off at the Rhino Bar in Newport on WEDNESDAY (the 21st), with hometown rhymers AFTERLIFE and THE DOPEMEN joining DC wordsmith THE DUBBER; call 401.846.0707.
Related:
2011 brings Jon Hope, the McGunks, Jocie Adams, and more, Photos: Aerosmith, Dropkick Murphys at Comcast Center, Running with the Devil, More 
- 2011 brings Jon Hope, the McGunks, Jocie Adams, and more
We're wrapping up our 2011 preview, checking in with a few more of our favorite local acts and artists.
- Photos: Aerosmith, Dropkick Murphys at Comcast Center
Aerosmith and Dropkick Murphys, live at Comcast Center
- Running with the Devil
The surge of locally-harvested folk/roots/Americana acts flourishing in Rhode Island continues.
- Making the rounds
Plus, Key Soldiers and Tallahassee
- The weekender
A busy FRIDAY (the 17th) includes TONY JONES & THE CRETIN 3 , GRAVESIDE SERVICE , and YOUR MOMMA'S TRASH among the acts hosting a "Very Twisted Xmas Party" at Blaze's Billiards in West Warwick; 21+ and $5 at the door, call 401.615.7677.
- The view from the throne
We think we're turning Japanese, we think we're turning Japanese, we really think so. The Japanese have a tremendous obsession with toilets. But the Narragansett Bay Commission, which oversees treatment of metropolitan Providence's sewage, are getting in the game with their upcoming celebration of World Toilet Day (no, we're not kidding).
- Fall Dance Preview: Things are moving around town
This fall’s dance events include reprises at local companies.
- TLA's Jocie Adams shares her Notions
Firehouse 13 is the place to be his weekend, with JOICE ADAMS (of the Low Anthem) celebrating her lovely solo debut Bed of Notions on FRIDAY (the 21st), with support help from friends THE BARR BROTHERS (of the Slip) and TWAIN , aka TLA's Mat Davison.
- The Mcgunks and the James Family Benefit
On FRIDAY (the 28th), the 201 presents feisty garage-rock fun with THE FABULOUS ITCHIES , THE DIVIDERS , and ATLANTIC THRILLS (401.454.4581).
- Dig outta the house
A metalhead FRIDAY (the 4th) includes an all-ages tilt at Club Hell (7 pm, 401.709.3923) with DEATH ANGEL , VIOLENT HISTORY (ex-members of Rhythmafia and I, Destroyer), HEXEN , and more.
- From I, Destroyer to Dipset
No excuses — something for everyone on FRIDAY (the 11th), including East Bay greats THE PROPELLERS (75or Less Records) playing the New Wave Cafe in New Bedford (508.984.0080).
- Less
Topics:
New England Music News
, Dropkick Murphys, What Cheer? Brigade, Santa Mamba, More
, Dropkick Murphys, What Cheer? Brigade, Santa Mamba, Joe Fletcher and the Wrong Reasons, Joe Fletcher and the Wrong Reasons, ar, Spot Underground, Kanerko, Kanerko, Birch Hill Dam, Less
