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Benjamin Cartel

Releasing solo debut album “Money and Love” this year, this New York singer-songwriter has been musically active since 2004 when he put his solo act on hold to co-found indie folk duo Kaiser Cartel. Tracks on the album are old and new, “No One” written before 2004, upbeat harmony-filled “Julia” written sometime a bit later, and title track brand spanking new. His eclectic mix of indie folk, pop and rock gives him a diverse collection that I think we waited long enough to get exposed to. Often with just an acoustic guitar, shows by Cartel show off his strong and honest lyrical, genre-spanning work.
Friday, Dec. 27, at Replay, 946 Massachusetts St., 10 p.m. $3.

Team Dain Fundraiser

Rock and roll 7-piece cover band Coversmith is playing two sets at this benefit concert, along with DJ sets by Johnny Quest and Kansas City’s hip hop artist Approach. All proceeds go directly to former Lawrence athlete Dain Dillingham’s medical expenses who on his 28th birthday fractured his C5 vertebra and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. Even if you cannot make it to the event, donate to the cause for raffle tickets and win prizes donated by local businesses. A free dinner, massage or haircut awaits your kind and loving self.
Saturday, Dec. 28, at Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St., 8 p.m. $10 in advance.

NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOWS

Hearts of Darkness [KANSAS CITY PICK]
Looking to get out of Lawrence for the New Year? This 15-piece powerhouse group will get you booty shaking into 2014 with their incredible blend of hip-hop, Afrobeat, swing, soul, samba, funk, and jazz. Often frequenting LFK, the smooth vocals of this big band and strong set of blasting horns sings the crowd into a celebration every time. Sounds like a funky way to kick off the New Year.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, at RecordBar, 1020 Westport Road, 9 p.m. $15 advance tickets.

New Year’s Tease

For a night of naughty nature, Liberty Hall is putting on a “scintillating evening” of risque burlesque entertainment, ringing in the new year with the Lawrence Burlesque Collective. A variety of independent dancers from the Lawrence and Kansas City area are prepared with more than an hour of tastefully revealing routines. Along with these scantily-clad ladies, Kansas City’s underground hip-hop artist Approach, rock band Hissyfit and DJDG Boogie will provide music.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., 9 p.m. $13.

Team Bear Club

If you’re looking for a packed room of sweaty dancing to innovative beats by some of Lawrence’s finest DJs, Team Bear Club is providing that rave vibe at the Taproom. This particular option is definitely catered to the college-aged crowd, photos from the latest Bear Club “Mingle” dance party this month drawing in hoards of young people fueling up on PBR and getting down to mixes by DJs Reggie Scott Smith, Maal Maal and Tom Richman.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Taproom, 801 New Hampshire St., 9 p.m. $3.

Boogie Wonderland

High-energy ’70s soul music will fill Fatso’s with entertainment by soul cover band Boogie Wonderland. Along with groovy tunes, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight will be included in the $10 cover charge before 9 p.m; $15 after. Patron shots are on special for $5. If you’d like VIP entry and a reserved table, it’s free as long as you let them know ahead of time. Limited seating.
Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Fatso’s, 1016 Massachusetts St.