In putting together this week's list, I sat around wondering why nothing was happening. Then I remembered that it's Christmas.Oh. Never mind.

It looks like a quiet week, but I find myself strangely busy. I'll be checking out the Laura Marling show tomorrow night, and Jerome Holloway's show on Friday. I saw him open for Nneka in February and thought he was really good, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with a headlining spot. Saturday also has some strong line-ups of local bands, both at Bottom Lounge and at the Beat Kitchen.

A show by Nneka isn't just an introduction to her heartfelt brand of soul music. It's also a crash course in world affairs, the realities of living in an oil-rich nation, and in Nigerian politics.