It’s a shorter list of shows this week, as many venues take some time off, but there are still some nice options.

Sarah Blacker releases EP

Sarah Blacker grew up in Wellesley, and her parents now live in Hull, while she has settled in Salem, so they’ve got Boston surrounded. Blacker has travelled all over the country singing her songs, acoustic rock and soul, with jazz elements, but most recently she’s settled down and devoted time to her day jobs as musical therapist, and psychotherapist.  But on Friday, Jan. 5, she’s unveiling her latest EP, “Horizon Line,” recorded at Sean McLaughlin’s 37′ Productions studio in Rockland, with Blacker and husband/percussionist Aaron Z. Katz co-producing. Blacker’s tunes on the disc involve finding inner strength and tenacity amid today’s chaotic world, which is surely a theme we can all appreciate. Blacker will be fronting a quartet at the Club Passim gig, and tickets are $20 in advance, check Passim.org for details. Blacker is also the manager of BrucefromSalem, the Instagram phenomenon whose adventures delight thousands of online fans – in real life Bruce is a Black Lab of remarkable personality.

The always lively Adam Ezra Group lights up the Narrows Center in Fall River. Local rock takes the spotlight when The Quins and The Birch Swart Band take over Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke. Folksinger Dar Williams is worth a trip to City Winery in Boston. An outstanding Americana band from upstate New York, The Felice Brothers jam at The Sinclair in Cambridge. Road trip: The Cabot Theater in Beverly welcomes L.A. rockers Dawes.

Enter The Haggis adds some Celtic spice to your holiday music at the Spire Center in Plymouth. Blazing blues trio GA-20 hits the Narrows Center in Fall River. Scituate’s Dalton & the Sheriffs bring their country rock to the House of Blues in Boston. The Proles and four other young area rock bands heat up a benefit at The C-Note in Hull. Jazz Is Led – a jazzy tribute to Led Zeppelin – at The District in Taunton. Kindred the Family Soul – a husband-wife duo – harmonizes at City Winery. Badfish – the tribute to Sublime – has sold out their show at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke. The Purple Disco Machine takes over Big Night Live in Boston. Head back up to Beverly, where the Cabot Theater hosts Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. 

SATURDAY, Dec. 30: Aldous Collins Band playing in Marshfield

Baltimore funk outfit Pigeons Playing Ping Pong opens a two-night stand at the House of Blues in Boston. Draw the Line – the Aerosmith tribute – has sold out their show at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke. New Bedford guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan has sold out his Narrows Center concert in Fall River. Folksinger Ellis Paul opens his two-nighter at Club Passim in Harvard Square. Another Tequila Sunrise – the Eagles tribute – are sure to warm up the Spire Center in Plymouth. Hanover’s tireless Aldous Collins Band sings at The Levitate Backyard in Marshfield. Craig Carter and the Hurricane rock The Next Page Cafe in Weymouth. Won’t Back Down – a Tom Petty tribute – fires up The District in Taunton. Brian Thomas and the BT All Stars bring some big band fun to the Fallout Shelter in Norwood. 

Sunday, Dec. 31:  Booty Vortex rings in New Year in Pembroke

Booty Vortex brings the disco era to life at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke. Funk band Ripe takes over Roadrunner in Boston. Brian Glowacki headlines a comedy night at the Spire Center in Plymouth. Quincy folk-rocker Suzanne McNeil warms up The Voyage in Humarock. Gimme Gimme Disco is the frivolity index at Brighton Music Hall. The ’70-’80s sounds of The Glitter Boys gets The Sinclair in Cambridge hopping. Saxman Elan Trotman heats up Scullers Jazz Club in Boston. The smart style and music of Divas with a Twist at The District in Taunton. Workman Song’s classic rock, plus two more bands, keep The C-Note in Hull jumping. The Fat City Band plays Chan’s in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

Coming attractions

JAN. 5: Drew Dunn tops another comedy night at the Spire Center in Plymouth. Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman harmonize at the Narrows Center in Fall River. Playing Dead returns to Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke. Mia x Ally is the duo with an electric violinist and a bagpiper, whose unlikely music has been an internet sensation, with covers like Dropkick Murphys’ “Shipping Up to Boston,” and they’re at Brighton Music Hall.

JAN. 6:  The Funky White Honkies get down and bluesy at the Narrows Center in Fall River. There, There is at The Sinclair in Cambridge. Don’t miss the Ken Clark Organ Trio at the Fallout Shelter in Norwood.  Folkie Don White – always fun – at Club Passim. Zakk Sabbath – the Black Sabbath tribute band led by guitarist Zakk Wylde – shakes up The Paradise Rock Club in Boston.

FUTURE SHOTS: Don’t forget the Swinging Steaks on Jan. 11 at the Fallout Shelter in Norwood. The rootsy band Spafford spends a weekend at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke on Jan. 13-14.