NEWS

Candlebox frontman Kevin Martin returns to the Viper Room tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 28, with his solo incarnation The Hiwatts. Born of the early '90s Seattle grunge scene, Martin’s career and vocal stylings have continued to thrive over his 20-plus year career in music. Come see why this artist is still thriving in this post modern rock era. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. www.viperroom.com

Choose from two fantabulous Sunset Strip shows Thursday, Dec. 29 as metal headbangers Soulfly storm The Viper Room and ska punk pioneers (and Sunset Strip Music Festival alum) Fishbone party down at the Key Club. Hey, on your ever lengthening list of “bad decisions” made on The Sunset Strip, at least you can’t f-up your choice of entertainment… Doors for Soulfly at The Viper Room open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $30. www.viperroom.com  Doors for Fishbone and The Aggrolites at Key Club open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 advance / $23 day of show. www.keyclub.com

Get your pre-New Year's Eve party on this Friday, Dec. 30 with San Diego alt-punkers Unwritten Law. The SSMF veterans return to their favorite home away from home at The Roxy Theatre to celebrate their massive catalog of hits and fan faves.  Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20. www.theroxyonsunset.com 

Celebrate the end of the world as we know it by ringing in 2012 on The Sunset Strip. Special dinners, a 1920s soiree, James Bond-themed party, and performances by Jenny And Johnny, Cults, Semi Precious Weapons, Warner Drive, Musiq Soulchild, Dirt Nasty, Andre Legacy & Beardo, DJ Quik and LA Guns. Get all the info and make your reservations today.

Nurse your post-partying hangover and catch the multitude of New Year's Day bowl games at Cabo Cantina. Bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for only $9.95 from 12 - 3 p.m. plus a special brunch menu with $1.99 burrito. Two-for-one priced drinks from 4 - 8 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. - midnight. www.thecabocantina.com 

--Brent X Mendoza, @brentXmendoza