Live music picks for WEDNESDAY December 21 through MONDAY December 26, 2011.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21 / SLOAN / THE GREAT HALL / 1087 QUEEN W / $20 / ALL AGES
Toronto punk band Fucked Up is holding a two-night series of concerts benefiting the COUNTERfit Harm Reduction Program and the Barriere Lake Legal Defense Fund. On this, the second night, Canadian rock legends Sloan will perform, alongside Ohbijou and Bonjay. If you've seen Sloan live, you know that they always bring their A-game, and this one's for a great cause. So, what have you got to lose?

THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 / BISHOP MOROCCO / WRONGBAR / 1279 QUEEN W / $8 / 19+

Toronto-based duo Bishop Morocco is comprised of Jake Fairley and Jim Sayce — and trust me, these two guys have created some awesome music. Their songs can best be described as blend of pure pop rock and Brit-pop. I swear, sometimes it sounds like they're channeling Depeche Mode (see the above video). Josh Reichmann/Dopes and Little Girls will offer support.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 / DONOVAN WOODS / THE LOCAL / 396 RONCESVALLES / 19+

Quite simply, Donovan Woods' music is some of the best acoustic material that you're likely to hear. His songs have a distinctly Canadian feel to them — on a personal level, they evoke memories of summer nights up north, and of growing up in a small town. I've only recently been introduced to his work, but it's fantastic stuff. Modern Field Recordings will also perform.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 / THE HEADSTONES / SOUND ACADEMEY / 11 POLSON / $41 - $91.50 / ALL AGES

One of the most successful Canadian bands of the 90s, The Headstones reunited in 2011 after eight years apart for a reunion tour of sorts. This will be their second show at the Sound Academy this year, and if this one is anything like the first one, it's not to be missed. Frontman Hugh Dillon still has an undeniable stage presence — it's probably why was able to seamlessly make the transition from music to acting (Hard Core Logo, anyone?).

MONDAY DECEMBER 26 / PRESSURE DROP FEAT. BRENDAN CANNING / THE EMBASSY BAR / 223 AUGUSTA / $5 / 19+

If you're looking for a great way to spend your Boxing Day, look no further than this annual event. Fans of reggae won't want to miss this one, as a plethora of special guests, including Toronto legend and one of the founding members of Broken Social Scene Brendan Canning will be on hand to spin a few records. Guests also include Anousheh, Iron Will, and Senor Vishal. If you don't feel like paying five bucks, bring a non-perishable food item.

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Photo of Sloan by Roger Cullman