Rough Shop

 Rough Shop's annual holiday music show (or "extravaganza") is becoming as much a seasonal tradition as eggnog, gingerbread lattes and gaudy Christmas sweaters. But while the fourth edition of the event will feature the roots-rockers' usual healthy mix of traditional tunes and modern classics — vocalist/guitarist/mandolinist John Wendland says "running the gamut from Low to Buck Owens" — this year will also feature musical cameos (confirmed so far is folkie Colin Blair on fiddle) and unreleased tunes set to appear on the band's upcoming acoustic album, Here Today. Due to be released in February, Today is merely a stage-setter for Rough Shop's busy 2008: Expect a European tour in the spring and a full-band, non-acoustic record later in the year as well. — Annie Zaleski