The Growlers, The Vacant Lots Thursday, January 10, at Dada, $13/$15 Since 2006, Orange County has claimed a band of revved-up boys looking to start a fire, although more often than not they stick to creating the experimental surf sounds that mimic California's beachy landscape and add a twist of drony, psychedelic flair. In two weeks the band will release Hung at Heart, their latest LP from Everloving Records. Catch them with garage-psych duo The Vacant Lots who open the show this week at Dada. -- Rachel Watts
The Effinays Monday, January 7, at Sundown at Granada, Free Doused in funk and served hot with a side of reggae, The Effinays host "Funk Mondays" at Sundown at Granada each week, washing away your workweek blues with the six-piece band's unique blend of jammy reggae and hip-hop-infused funk. If you don't feel like dancing, there's a cozy bar stool in the corner with your name on it. Watching people get down to good jams could help repair your cynical Monday outlook. The best part of it all: completely free. -- Rachel Watts
A Taste of Herb Tuesday, January 8, at Dan's Silverleaf, Free After selling roughly 72 million albums worldwide, 14 of which went platinum, Herb Alpert has been made legend, particularly with his seven-piece outfit Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Head to Denton to see seven of North Texas' most talented session musicians as they pay tribute to some of Alpert's best work, including 91.7 KXT radio host Paul Slavens. -- Rachel Watts
Telegraph Canyon, Glossary, Daniel Markham Wednesday, January 9, at Dan's Silverleaf, $10/$13 Fort Worth's Telegraph Canyon are heading out on the road with Tennessee's Glossary for much of January, and we can't think of a more inspired pairing. The local Southern folk group is working on finishing up a new single in the new year, as a possible taste of a new album to follow 2009's The Tide and the Current. Glossary are still rocking jams from 2011's Long Live All of Us, but frontman Joey Kneiser just released an excellent new EP, Moonlight for the Graveyard Heart. Add in Denton up-and-comer Daniel Markham, lather, rinse, repeat. -- Audra Schroeder
Sarah Jaffe, Taylor Rea, Deb Doing Dallas Wednesday, January 9, at The Dram, Free The Overserved and Indieverse's The Ladies Room co-host Deb Doing Dallas will be celebrating her birthday this Wednesday by squeezing into Blake Ward's DJ booth at The Dram to spin tunes early in the night. Bring your dancing shoes for guests Taylor Rea, of electro-pop band Zhora, and local favorite Sarah Jaffe, as they lay down a special blend of jams. -- Rachel Watts
