Mon. Dec. 31 

Singer-guitarist Michael Tarbox is asked the question of the hour: Why should a New Year's Eve reveller plop down $20 to see his band, the Tarbox Ramblers at Johnny D's? "People should come to see the Tarbox Rambers because we'll have the most percussion-heavy New Year's Eve orchestra around, and everybody knows that drums and rhythm are the way to go on New Year's Eve." And what are the Tarbox Ramblers favorite styles to play and mix? "Blues, gospel hillbilly music with raw guitar," Tarbox says. Music starts at 9:45.

17 Holland St., Somerville, 617-776-2004 www.johnnyds.com