Sat. Dec. 12

Ok, we're Boston-centric here, we admit it. But we've also made the trip to Lowell for the cool Festival they have running throughout the summer and we'll also note that there is largely ignored music scene up in the old mill town as well. There's a new two-disc CD - one acoustic and one electric , "Lowell & Behold: Volume 2" which showcases young independent artists and bands. This 2-disc compilation will be celebrated at three CD release parties in Lowell on December 11 and 12. Thirty artists from Lowell contributed one of their songs to  the project,helmed by UMass Lowell student Seth Bailin, was grateful The acoustic disc features Jen Kearney & the Lost Onion, Hot Day at the Zoo, The Bella Birds, Clara Berry, Packrat, Runaway Red Wagon, and Joshua Beetler. The electric disc features Goosepimp Orchestra, Ralph Eats Dynamite, Ladderlegs, The Bay State, 3 Dub Mice, The Sin Busters, and Beneath The Sheets among others.

All proceeds from the shows and CD sales will go directly to the Lowell & Behold Scholarship, given annually to a senior at Lowell High School who demonstrates passion for music in and out of the classroom, and who is also in need of financial assistance to continue studying music in college. Korey McKinney, freshman at UMass Lowell studying Music Education, was the first recipient of the scholarship and granted the proceeds of "Lowell & Behold: Volume 1," totaling $1,750. The application process for this year’s Lowell & Behold Scholarship will begin in late winter with the student chosen in the spring of 2010.

Saturday, Dec. 12 at Brew'd Awakening Coffee Haus, noon-2pm, no cover, all ages,with acoustic acts Brandon Downs, and That Really Awesome Guy With A Guitar. (That's either a really great name or a really horrible name. Not sure yet. Reminds us of the UK gal band We've Got a Fuzzbox and We Know How To Use It!! The other Saturday gig is at 119 Gallery at 7 p.m., an all-ages show with a $5 cover. This is an acoustic night, with Pathos, Joshua Beetler, The Bella Birds, Clara Berry, Coalmine Canary, Runaway Red Wagon, and Packrat.

Brew'd Awakening, 61 Market St., Lowell, 978-454-2739 www.brewdawakening.com
119 Gallery, 119 Chelmsford St., Lowell 978-452-8138 www.119gallery.org