Sun. Dec. 16

Whether rock 'n' roll attracts the substance abuse-inclined or whether the substance abuse-inclined are attracted to rock 'n' roll is one of those conundrums that's impossible to resolve. But it happens - no, not always, but enough - and a short list of the fallen would include Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, Johnny Thunders, Janis Joplin and Dee Dee Ramone. One notable survivor is Eric Clapton who started an upscale clinic, Crossroads Centre in Antigua. Woody Giessmann, former Del Fuegos drummer, is another survivor and he started Right Turn, closer to home in Arlington. It's an organization geared specifically to help artists and others in the business. Get more info about the organization at the website below, but know that Right Turn is not all the dark side of addiction and recovery. They host a number of musical events and they're having a "Musical Holiday Jam" Sunday Dec. 16. Sal Baglio, the former singer-guitarist of the Stompers (Boston's answer to Bruce Springsteen in the '80s) is playing and everyone is invited (free) to come along, and bring an instrument (if you play) to jam. Refreshments of the non-alcoholic kind will be served. It starts at 6 p.m. at Right Turn. They're promising "a festive fun fantastic fiesta!"

299 Broadway, Arlington, 781-646-3800 or 888-578-887 www.right-turn.org