Live music picks for WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 through SUNDAY DECEMBER 30, 2012.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 / ALEXISONFIRE / SOUND ACADEMY / 11 POLSON / $52.50 / ALL AGES

One of the most popular bands of this generation, St. Catharine's own Alexisonfire is officially calling it quits, and this will be their last set of shows in Toronto (until they decide to do a reunion tour down the line - let's face it, the odds are good). You'll have four opportunities to see them at the Sound Academy, starting on Boxing Day, and while I have a feeling tickets may be sold out, it's still worth a shot.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 27 / MADEON / THE HOXTON / 69 BATHURST / $20 / 19+

Madeon is a French electro-house producer who, at the ripe old age of 18, has become one of the fastest growing artists in the EDM scene. He initially made a name for himself with remixes of songs by artists such as deadmau5 and Pendulum before putting his own original material out there. If you're fan of electro, you'll probably dig this show, and this may be your last shot to see Madeon in such an intimate venue - he'll be opening for Lady Gaga next year, so he's only going to continue to grow in popularity.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 28 / RUSTY / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $19 / 19+

Formed in Toronto in 1994, Rusty was one of the most popular local alt-rock bands around until their breakup in 2000. They reunited last year for NXNE, and now they're helping the Horseshoe with their continued 65th anniversary celebration. If you're a fan of '90s music, this will definitely be right up your alley, but there's something here for any fan of alt-rock. You can expect some great vibes and a boisterous crowd at this one.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 29 / CUFF THE DUKE / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $23.50 / 19+

Any regular reader of the Hot Ticket can tell you that I'm a huge fan of alt-country quintet Cuff the Duke. As such, when they take the stage on Saturday at the Horseshoe, I have to give this show my highest recommendation. The band has a stage presence that is almost unparalleled, and their shows are some of the most enjoyable I've ever been to. While their music won't appeal to everyone, I suggest you give it a shot if you're looking for an enjoyable evening out.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 30 / JOANNE MACKELL AND TRU GRIT / THE GLADSTONE HOTEL / 1214 QUEEN W / FREE / ALL AGES

Before you prepare to head out on New Year's Eve for a night of drinks and celebration, why not take in this free performance by Joanne Mackell and Tru Grit? Mackell is well known for her distinctive voice and her very strong stage presence - if you're not familiar with her work, I highly recommend you seek it out. And you can't really say no to a free show, especially one with such strong talent.

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Photo of Alexisonfire courtesy of bob8son on Flickr.