After surviving a New Year's weekend, the local concert calendar is largely breathing a sigh of relief and still recovering this weekend, but we've still got a few shows to keep you going if you need your music fix. Amongst this weekend's highlights are:

Thursday, Jan. 5

Cairde na Gael kicks off the New Year by continuing a tradition with its standing gig as unofficial house band at Arnie's for a night of Irish folk tunes and drinking music. If you're out south, be sure to stop in and relax with Brandon Clark playing his weekly solo gig at Fat Daddy's Pub.

Friday, Jan. 6

You can never go wrong at The Colony and this Friday, Pilgrim takes the stage for an all night jam session that will surely pull a few guests up on stage. If you're looking for something different, Hunt Club hosts Commercial Vehicle for a night of covers while Soundpony play home to Music Genius Crew and Dead Metal Society brings hair metal back to life at Friction.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Steve Pryor returns to the stage to burn it down once again at The Colony, but the night's biggest party may well be Alex & the Anders' Farewell Show (WHAT?!?!) at Arnie's, beginning at 10pm. The Marquee is also packing it out with an all-ages show featuring Fairview (who is releasing a new CD) with Outline in Color, Rumours in the Atlantic, Distants, The Fossil Youth and Of What We Made. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door.