Ten Things To Do in St. Louis: December 23-29

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A scene from Christmas Holidays at Merryvale

For local clubs, the week after Christmas can be rather dead. Out-of-town touring acts take a break for the holidays, while locals tend to rest up, spend time with family and save their energy for New Year's Eve. (The exception to this rule, as always, is El Monstero.) 2010 is even slower than normal; many clubs simply don't have shows booked that week. Nevertheless, a few events are happening here or there. Here are ten highlights. Also, don't forget -- here's a list of local bars open on Christmas. (Not that you'll need them, of course.)

Thursday, December 23
The Firebird (2706 Olive Street; 314-535-0353) hosts A Rockin' Christmas For The Kids, whose aim is to raise money so that Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital can buy iPods for its patients. The Hail Marys, the Griddle Kids, the Hooten Hallers, Spark Thugs and 707 - which features Chris Powers, Casey Reid and Irene Allen - are performing. 7:30 p.m. $10.

Affton native Kristeen Young, who's been recording with producer Tony Visconti again as of late, returns for a homecoming show at Off Broadway (3509 Lemp Avenue; 314-773-3363). Expect plenty of piano-based theatrics indebted to PJ Harvey and Björk. Local grrl-rockers Peach open. 9 p.m. Ticket info TBA.

The Old Rock House (1200 South Seventh Street; 314-588-0505) kicks out the funk-jams with Reelfoot and Fresh Heir and hip-hop act the ChalkBoyz. 9 p.m. $10. 21-plus only.

Saturday, December 25
Bottle Rockets front man Brian Henneman performs his annual Christmas night solo concert. This year, the festivities take place at Iron Barley (5510 Virginia Avenue; 314-351-4500) starting at 10 p.m. $10.

Keep the seasonal goodwill flowing on Christmas night, as two venues open their doors for benefits. Fubar (3108 Locust Avenue; 314- 289-9050) hosts A Punk Rock X-Mas: Gimme Your Guts 2: Transplant Benefit for Tommy Moslander. Bands such as Atomic Betty, Opposites Attack and I Stabbed My Landlord (among many others) gather for the gig. Doors at 7 p.m. $7 minimum donation.