Austin-based punk band Die Spitz will bring its raucous energy to the Paper Tiger on Friday. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Die Spitz

There’s no excuse to sit at home and listen to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” or some other equally tired holiday tune on the stereo. Not when so many world-class musical acts are heading to SA to make it the coolest of yules.

Let’s run down the options.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

For generations, New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band has produced incredible Dixieland jazz from its Bourbon Street storefront. The intricate, interwoven interplay between its seasoned musicians is dazzling to watch and entrancing to hear. San Antonio jazz fans can experience the magic as the band turns its attention to making holiday classics swing hard. $35-$105, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — Bill Baird

Friday, Dec. 20

Die Spitz, The Blowup Dollz

Unruly all-girl punk band Die Spitz will incite a riot at Paper Tiger this Friday. (We kid … unless?) The band has already won three Austin Music Awards — Best Punk Band, Best Music Residency and Best New Act. Politically-outspoken RGV hardcore band The Blowup Dollz will open the high-octane, all-ages event. To quote Die Spitz’s Instagram announcement for band’s final dates of 2024, “Get ready to be ran through!” $20, 8 p.m., Paper Tiger, 2410 N. St. Mary’s St., papertigersatx.com. — Stephanie Koithan

Mariachi Sol de Mexico

For this concert, billed as “José Hernández’s Merry-Achi Christmas,” maestro Hernández will lead his 13-piece ensemble through a spirited yuletide performance. Expect to hear Mariachi Sol de Mexico breathe life into a variety of Mexican and American holiday standards that celebrate the spirit of the holiday on both sides of the border. $29.50-$69.50, 8 p.m., Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, (210) 223-8624, tobincenter.org. — Danny Cervantes

Ben Jaffe, bassist and creative director of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, takes a solo. Credit: Shutterstock / Adam McCullough

Greyhounds, The Point

Austin’s Greyhounds — a duo comprised of guitarist Andrew Trube and keyboardist Anthony Farrell — was once described as “Hall & Oates meets ZZ Top,” and both comparisons are apt. The pair started as writers for Tedeschi & Trucks, and their material combines R&B sounds with funk and the Bakersfield country of Buck Owens. “Hard to Believe,” the lead single from the Greyhounds’ most recent studio album, offers a soulful intro into their sound. $15-$90, 8:30 p.m., Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com. — DC

Saturday, Dec. 21

Blind Boys of Alabama

An ongoing group since 1939 with an ever-changing cast, the Blind Boys of Alabama continue a rich Southern gospel tradition but have broadened its appeal by tastefully fusing it with pop and rock elements. The group’s stirring sound has earned it multiple Grammys, allowed it to provide the theme song for the TV show The Wire and drawn it into star-studded collaborations. Live, the voices of the group’s visually impaired members meld in impeccable harmony and bring a palpable sense of joy to the crowd. $35-$49, 8 p.m., Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — BB

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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2024.