Positively State Street

DIRTY REGGAE PARTY: Reggae bands in Los Angeles are as common as sushi bars in West Hollywood, but L.A.-based ska-reggae outfit the Aggrolites has distinguished itself from the pack by merging the exuberance of old-school reggae beats with the guttural, passionate funk of James Brown. Formed in 2002 as a backup band for the ska pioneer Derrick Morgan, the group’s infectious sound emphasizes their multicultural heritage and love for L.A. through a collection of soul-shakedown grooves that the band has dubbed “dirty reggae.” The quintet’s latest release, Reggae Hit L.A., has earned them mounting acclaim throughout the regional and worldwide reggae scene. Catch the Aggrolites’ set at the Mercury Lounge (5871 Hollister Ave.) in Goleta this Friday, December 14, at 8 p.m. Call 967-0907 for info. -Joel Aurora

THE PLAYER’S CLUB: ‘Tis the season for giving. And what better time than this Monday, December 17, to lend a hand and enjoy some jams courtesy of the SOhO Jazz Club. This year, Santa Barbara’s leading baritone, Art Emr, rings in the holidays-and collects some much-needed cash for the Unity Shoppe-with his Christmas & All That Jazz. The evening’s lineup includes a slew of SB’s musical heavyweights (Woody DeMarco, Randy Tico, Jessica McAllister, Mark Glover, and Ruben Martinez, to name a few), along with special guests like vocalist Jessica Johnson and the Candy Cane Dancers. Admission is a nominal $10 donation, and dinner reservations can be made by calling 962-7776. The show starts promptly at 7 p.m. and SOhO is located upstairs at 1221 State St. Visit sohosb.com for additional details. -Aly Comingore

CALLING ALL DREAMERS: One of your own has issued a clarion call to his unique and intimate holiday concert. John Gill, a carpenter, UCSB grad, and self-described perpetual dreamer, hopes to make one dream come true by performing for a small audience at the Alhecama Theatre on Monday, December 17.