Chris Isaak

Spotlight show • In his holiday show, Chris Isaak — one of the truly nicest guys in show business — brings crazy costumes and his wise-cracking humor while performing his signature mix of blues and rock 'n' roll. In an interview, Isaak said memories of the holidays from his Stockon, Calif., upbringing help to inspire these holiday shows. "I have one of those rare idyllic lives, every bit of it," Isaak said of his loving family. Although he still can't believe he gets to tour the world doing what he loves, he fondly remembers being a blessed youth. "I look back and long for that." Isaak recorded a Christmas album in 2004, and because he loves the holidays so much, he spent an unheard-of six months perfecting it. He even wrote new songs for that album, including "Washington Square," "Hey Santa!" and "Gotta Be Good." And he said that when he is in Salt Lake, he will be doing some Christmas shopping at some of his favorite bicycle shops and bookstores in the country.

When • Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.

Where • Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $42 to $58 at kingsburyevents.com

Mindy Gledhill

Local indie-folk singer Mindy Gledhill returns to Velour for a two-show evening of Christmas music.

When • Tonight, Nov. 30, 6:30 and 9 p.m.

Where • Velour Live Music Gallery, 135 N. University Ave., Provo

Tickets • $12 at 24Tix

Eidola

The alternative band will perform to promote its CD release. Also on the bill: Empirates, Regal Beast and Temples.

When • Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m.

Where • Velour Live Music Gallery, 135 N. University Ave., Provo

Tickets • $7 at 24Tix

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Tommy Castro will bring his blues-infused, rocking R&B sound and original songwriting to The State Room. Castro was named the 2008 Blues Music Award Entertainer of the Year.

When • Sunday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m.

Where • The State Room, 638 S. State St.,Salt Lake City

Tickets • $20 at thestateroom.com

moe.

Park City Live presents moe. for a concert of progressive rock and innovative jams.

When • Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Where • Park City Live, 427 Main St., Park City

Tickets • $20 at SmithsTix

Rock Yourself To Sleep Tour

The 2012 installment of The Rock Yourself to Sleep Tour presents Dance Gavin Dance, a six-member post-hardcore/experimental band from Sacramento. Also on the bill: A Lot Like Birds, I The Mighty, Hail The Sun and The Orphan The Poet.

When • Thursday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.

Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $19 at partytix.com

The Aquabats

An eight-piece ska unit from the California coast, Aquabats has earned respect for its new wave of ska-punk from Courtney Love, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

When • Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $17 at SmithsTix

The Clumsy Lovers

The five-piece folk-rock-bluegrass band from Canada has played more than 2,000 live performances.

When • Thursday, Dec. 6, 9 p.m.

Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $8 at 24Tix