What you missed: winter break

The town grows quiet every December. The streets are clear of the usual riff-raff of the collegiate types, and the parties move out of homes and into offices. It's the holiday season in Missoula, and while our dear college town may lose some population, it sure doesn't lose momentum for those few precious weeks at the end and beginning of every year. Here's a wrap-up of the best bets you may have missed out on while you were digesting your ham or tofurkey.

Sick Kids XOXO CD release party: Dec. 16

Easily the hippest band in town, the indie-poppers Sick Kids XOXO released their first CD to a lively crowd at the Wilma, capping off the last week of school. Catchy hooks and driving synths; tight, danceable rhythms; Karma Baker's alluring alto and Michael Gill's tapered tenor. Every song was a glittery, harmonized ode to the pains and pleasures of being alive.

The Elbow Room grows into its name: Dec. 23

From a doublewide trailer to high and wide luxury, the Missoula sports bar expanded to a wood-decked new home on Stephens. The new place is a huge step up from ye olde trailer: plenty of taps and a tub of ice and bottles are surrounded by a knotty pine bar longer than your Hummer. And with more than 20 flat screen TVs and room for a rager, the bigger-is-better attitude is a bet that ought to pay off.

First Night Missoula: Dec. 31

For almost 20 years, the Missoula Cultural Council has given New Year's celebrations a break from the champagne. This year more than 25 venues hosted art, poetry, music and more throughout the day on New Year's Eve, with "family friendly" sharing the focus with "support your local artists." The boozeless bonanza was only $12 for an all-access button and free for kids under seven.

First Friday: Jan. 6

Although a bit slower than normal, downtown Missoula's First Friday pressed on as always with galleries and shops staying open to showcase local art. The complimentary beer, wine and snacks flowed and tapped out quickly, as expected. Many of the exhibits are ongoing and month-long or longer — check it out before the next First Friday paints new sets around town.

The Be Helds album release: Jan. 6

The place to be on the first Friday night of the year was the Top Hat — at least the overwhelming presence of tight pants and tussled hair might have given you that impression. After a slew of openers, including local ski/surf band the Skurfs, a packed Top Hat welcomed The Be Helds to a raucous, though short, set.

A Lull and Deleted Scenes: Jan. 17

Thankfully, there are those willing to make the (normally) dangerous trek across I-90 in the winter to bring us their wonderful noises. Chicago indie rockers A Lull with tour mates Deleted Scenes managed to bring a decent crowd to a Tuesday night show at the Badlander.

Heirloom Winter/ Holiday Market: Saturdays 10 A.M. – Noon

Sad when Missoula's downtown/riverside staple closes for the winter? Turns out, it just moves inside. The young Heirloom Project hosts a two-hour market every Saturday at a kitschy old house on the Northside at 831 Sherwood. It's hard to find, but when you make it a habit to get out there, it's the first thing you're thinking on Saturday mornings. Catch this Friday's Kaimin for an in-depth look at the winter market and its founders. 

The Wailers: Jan. 21

Though only carrying one original member, Bob Marley's old backup band rocked the nearly full Wilma Saturday night. Playing familiar classics and stirring the audience like the legend was alive onstage, the only surprise at this show was the lack of smoke filling the theater. Good music is the best kind of contact high after all.

Ringing Out: Ongoing

Local author/playwright Josh Wagner has a vision for the end of the world, and it's creepily hilarious. After dinner theater performances at the Silk Road and a sold out show at the Crystal Theater last Friday, the play has been extended — tonight and tomorrow night will be the last chance to catch the madness. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Crystal on Higgins, for those interested in doom and laughter.

brooks.johnson@umontana.edu