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• Jazz Kitchen
• Birdy's
• Rathskeller
• Melody Inn
• Radio Radio

Xero Sum will be performing at Emerson Theater on Jan. 5. (Submitted by the band Xero Sum)

The Impossible Shapes will be performing at Radio Radio on Jan. 4 (Submitted photo) (Submitted for The Star)

King Deuce will be at Melody Inn on Jan. 5. (Submitted photo by Tony Reitz)

King Street Conspiracy, Triptych Cabin, Transient Frank, Nature's Candy is a tribute to Robin Tackett. (Submitted photo)

Top 10 Live is a collaborative effort between the Indy.com staff and Indianapolismusic.net.

1. The Turnbull AC's, Gentleman Caller, Impossible Shapes, Eli McCormick
9 p.m., Jan. 4, Radio Radio, $5, (317) 251-6957.

Radio Radio kicks off its 2008 calendar with a night of acts inspired by modern indie rock and folk. Gentleman Caller and Impossible Shapes are likely the best-known bands on the bill. Gentleman Caller visits from Bloomington with a sound reminiscent of Velvet Underground. Impossible Shapes is an adventurous indie/folk act. Cincinnati buzz act The Turnbull ACs and Bloomington singer/songwriter Eli McCormick round out the bill.

2. The Coke Dares, Metal in the Microwave, The Alarmists (calm down), Busman's Holiday
9 p.m., Jan. 3, Melody Inn, $6, (317) 923-4707.

The Indianapolis and Bloomington music scenes have always shared a friendly rivalry. Bloomington makes its case for the quality of its music with a Thursday night invasion of the Melody Inn. The Coke Dares, a trio known for its sub-one minute blasts of powerful riff rock, tops the bill. They're joined by nervy indie rockers Metal in the Microwave, punker/funkers The Alarmists (calm down), and funk rockers Busman's Holiday.

3. Xero Sum, Autumn's Descent + six others
3:45 p.m., Jan. 5, Emerson Theater, $10, (317) 357-0239.

This weekend means winter break ends for area schools, and students will be back in class on Monday. The under-21 set looking for a way to blow off a last blast of steam should check out this event. Indy modern rockers Xero Sum headlines a nearly full-day event featuring eight bands. Autumn's Descent, Akaisha, Tik'al, Romance on Broadcast, Headchange, Hybrid Glitch and Ruined for Life are also scheduled.

4. King Deuce, The Dockers, Vodka DiMilo
10:30 p.m., Jan. 5, Melody Inn, $7, (317) 923-4707.

Punk Rock Night rolls into 2008 with an all-local lineup. Vodka DiMilo features Punk Rock Night founder and host Greg Brenner on vocals. He's backed by an all-star cast of rockers from some of the city's best-known punk acts. King Deuce has become a PRN favorite with its hardcore-meets-rock 'n' roll sound. Eclectic "fez rockers" The Dockers complete the three-band bill.

5. King Street Conspiracy, Triptych Cabin, Transient Frank, Nature's Candy
9 p.m., Jan. 5, Birdy's, $5, (317) 254-8971.

When Indy musician Robin Tackett died in 2004, his friends pledged to meet yearly to pay tribute to Tackett and raise money for his young son. They continue that promise Jan. 5 with the 2008 edition of the Simon Tackett Benefit Show. Some of Tackett's favorite bands and new groups, made up of his former bandmates, share the bill.

6. Elvis' Birthday Bash
10 p.m., Jan. 4, Locals Only, $6, (317) 255-4013.

If he were still alive, Elvis Presley would have been 73 years old on Jan. 8. Indy cartoonist Wayne Bertsch celebrates the King's birthday every year by hosting a show featuring local acts performing Elvis' music. The Messarounds, the band fronted by mutton chopped Bigger Than Elvis singer Danny Thompson, headlines. Sharing the bill are a trio of acts that don't obviously wear Elvis reverence on their sleeves -- Little Voice, Hey Hey Melodica and Stereo Deluxe's Jay Elliot.

7. Tad Robinson
6 p.m., Jan. 3, Rathskeller, free, (317) 636-0396.

Tad Robinson has become a regular fixture in Indianapolis. The green-eyed soul/blues singer and harmonica player not only keeps up a busy schedule performing in local clubs, he also is a fixture at blues festivals throughout the country. His latest record, "A New Point of View," recently was honored with a nomination for soul/blues album of the year by the Blues Foundation. Robinson also picked up a nomination for male artist of the year.

8. Gentleman Caller
9 p.m., Jan. 4, Big Car Gallery, suggested donation $5, (317) 450-6630.

Gentleman Caller travels from Bloomington to Indianapolis for a pair of shows Jan. 4. The act won't have far to travel between the shows. The band starts the night at Big Car Gallery in Fountain Square for the venue's monthly First Friday event, performing at the opening of "Slow Nod," which features the art of Andrew McGaha. Afterward, the band travels a block up the street to Radio Radio for a late-night event.

9. Jeff DeHerdt
9 p.m., Jan. 5, Jazz Kitchen, $10, (317) 253-4900.

Claiming equal allegiance to such jazz legends as Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans, as well as piano pop stars Billy Joel and Ben Folds, Jeff DeHerdt has carved out a niche in Indy's music community playing what he jokingly calls "Jpaozpz" (jop pazz). The busy pianist will perform a post-holiday gig at the Jazz Kitchen.

10. Blackberry Jam & 16th Dynasty
8 p.m., Jan. 6, Birdy's, (317) 254-8971.

Fans who like music that comes with a danceable beat should take note. Blackberry Jam includes local funk stars Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign on its influences list, alongside superstars James Brown and Curtis Mayfield. It's also known for blending modern hip-hop with classic soul. 16th Dynasty shares the bill.