New Year’s Eve blast

On Jan. 1, 2005, we rang in the new year with a series of snowstorms that resulted in weeks of foggy conditions, unplowed streets and cabin fever. Hopefully, the weather gods will bless us with clear skies this weekend as we welcome 2006. If you plan on doing the downtown pub crawl, you may want to get your tickets now to see the Blasters, who will perform at the Liquid Lounge. The rockabilly band rose out of the Los Angeles club scene during the late 1970s, along with contemporaries X and Los Lobos. Although it was lumped in with the L.A. punk scene in its early years, the band was instrumental in the resurgence of American roots rock during the 1980s. The group broke up in 1986 after songwriter and lead guitarist Dave Alvin left to start a solo career (although he returned to the group for a series of reunion shows in 2002). Today, singer/guitarist Phil Alvin (Dave’s brother), bassist John Bazz, lead guitarist Keith Wyatt and drummer Jerry Angel carry on as the Blasters, whose latest album is 4-11-44. The band performs 10:15 p.m. Dec. 31 at Liquid Lounge, 148 West St. Tickets are $50. Call 337-8861 or visit www.1moe.com.