First, an annual December celebration, almost like Xmas itself, as Martin Stephenson plays a pair of shows – firstly, a full band affair with the Daintees, at Woodend Bowling and Tennis Club on Thursday 15th. Support comes from Helen McCookerybook plus Biff Smith and The Starlets. The next night it’s solo at the Accies Club on Friday the 16th of December, door with Jill Hepburn supporting and Martin will be accompanied by Kenny Brady and Finn McArdle.
Oran Mor
Malcolm Middleton plays at Edinbirgh’s Electric Circus on on Wednesday 16th, and in Glasgow on the 17th at . Support for both shows comes from, er, Malcolm himself, well, under his instrumental guise of Human, Don’t Be Angry.

Same Edinburgh venue on Thursday has a late afternoon matinee – remember when Detour hit the capital? A film of the roving gig/mini-festival thing gets a showing at the venue at 6pm. Free entry, though you’ll have to pay if you want to stick around for the Vic Galloway-curated show with James Yorkston, Neil Pennycook (Meursault), Jenny Reeve (Strike The Colours), Jill O’Sulllivan, and the mysterious Owl John.

How To Swim have their Xmas single launch-cum-party, at Stereo, on Friday 16th – full details here.

The Phantom Band‘s Phestive Phantomime (phew) takers place on Fri 16th and Sat 17th Dec at Stereo in Glasgow. Holy Mountain, Muscles Of Joy, Tut Vu Vu, and Paul Thomson DJ set while on Saturday Take A Worm For A Walk Week, Jacob Yates And The Pearly Gate Lockpickers – full details at phantomime.co.uk

TV Smith and the Valentines play Dundee’s Beat Generator on Friday 16th… doing the hits of the Adverts (TV’s old band, for younger readers). http://www.tvsmith.com

Kid Canaveral have their Xmas show in in Edinburgh on Saturday 17th December. The all dayer is at Summerhall (er, Queen’s Hall end of the Meadows) from 2pm – 1am. Slow Club, incie comic Josie Long, Martin John Henry, eagleowl, Sweet Baboo (Stephen Black from Slow Club. Though it’s sold out, so why am I telling you this?

Finally, There Will Be Fireworks play Stereo in Glasgow on Sunday 18th. Support from Friends in America and people, places, maps. Tix at therewillbefireworks.bigcartel.com