The Last Place You Look will host a holiday bash Friday.: Sergio Santos

You don't have to 'look' far for good shows

It’s been four years since the Last Place You Look has released any new music, but that doesn’t mean the band has been lazy. The band has been aggressively touring, raising its national profile and branding singer Justin Nava’s trademark beard. This annual Christmas show includes a free 10-song EP that features tracks from openers Another Run and Recovery Room. Expect holiday tunes and lots of hard rock. When: 7 p.m. Friday; Where: Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emanuel; Tickets: $5.

Deck the halls of fitz

Fitz Navidad is when the longstanding venue decks its weathered halls for a night of Christmas merriment. Local bands play holiday favorites, and you can sing along. The lineup includes Craig Kinsey, Mystery Flavor, Poor Pilate, Ben Wesley, Hot Pants, Glass the Sky, Bang Bangz, Featherface La Catrin, the Last Place You Look and Tyagaraja. When: 9 p.m. Thursday; Where: Fitzgerald’s, 2706 White Oak; Tickets: $7.

The end is near

Who says pop music is fluff? DJ Drew G will take an aggressive approach to familiar hits during Dirty Pop, which combines hip-hop beats with electro, dance and rock melodies at the End of the World Party . The night also includes a Cirque du Soleil aerialist performance. When: 9 p.m. Saturday; Where: South Beach nightclub, 810 Pacific; Tickets: $13; free before 10 p.m. with text.

The rest of the week

Friday 12.21

Red Bull Thre3Style Massive: Energy drinks and DJs seem like a logical match, don’t they? This “innovative global competition” gives DJs a platform to showcase their skills, largely via battles, and touches on everything from house to hip-hop. The lineup includes Toy Selectah, RL Grime, Four Color Zack, Nedu Lopes, DJ Drummer and A-Trak, a Canadian DJ who has collaborated closely with Kanye West on tours, TV performances and albums. A-Trak also was featured on the cover of Billboard earlier this year alongside Diplo and Skrillex. This event is a showcase; the competition kicks off in January. When: 8 p.m. Friday; Where: Stereo Live, 6400 Richmond; Tickets: $10.

Houston Symphony: Guest conductor Matthew Halls leads the orchestra and Houston Symphony Chorus in Handel’s “Messiah.” Guest soloists are: Gillian Keith, soprano; Jay Carter, countertenor; Chad Shelton, tenor; and Brian Mulligan, baritone. When: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday; Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana; Tickets: $29-$117.

Saturday 12.22

Karina Nistal: The Houston singer moved to Los Angeles last year, where she’s still plugging her blend of rap, house and pop. But Nistal comes home for a show this weekend. She’s been experimenting with a live band and, of course, working on new music. Great burgers also are also promised. When: 9 p.m. Saturday; Where: Stanton City Bites, 1420 Edwards; Tickets: Free.

Latin stars Los Lonely Boys will play the House of Blues.: Handout

Los Lonely Boys: After an intriguing little detour with an acoustic live thing, the Boys went back to plugging things in with “Rockpango” last year. The three Garza brothers from San Angelo haven’t quite replicated the success of “Heaven,” but they still put on a strong blues-rock show. When: 8 p.m. Saturday; Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline; Tickets: $25-$59.50.

The Shadow : This coed outfit has been rocking local venues for more than a year and even locked in an opening slot for the Damned in Hong Kong. Much of the charm is thanks to singer Raquel Refuerzo, who blasts through the Shadow’s original tunes with sass and soul. She also has a wicked sense of humor. When: 10 p.m. Saturday; Where: The Usual, 5519 Allen; Tickets: Free.

Sunday 12.23

Leela James: Rich-voiced soul singer James seems an odd fit for a venue more accustomed to hipster rock acts and popular locals. But she’ll likely make it her own with a commanding, confident presence. James released her first album in 2005 and has collaborated with Moby, Kanye West and Wyclef Jean. A tribute to Etta James was released this year. When: 8 p.m. Sunday; Where: Fitzgerald’s, 2706 White Oak; Tickets: $25.