ROCKY’S BEST BETS

B.A. JOHNSTON

Close your eyes and imagine Hamilton musical funnyman B.A. Johnston as Father Christmas. Oh dear, is that cheap beer dripping from his beard? For a hilarious low-rent take on the season, stop by This Ain’t Hollywood, 345 James St. N., on Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m. for Johnston’s holiday misery party, with Wax Mannequin and The Great Machine. Bring canned food (not to eat, but as a donation). It’ll get you in for just $6 instead of $10.

CHUCK JACKSON

The popular and hugely successful weekend blues matinees at the Bay City Music Hall, 50 Leander Dr., comes to an end on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2 p.m., with a special show featuring Downchild singer Chuck Jackson, Backed by the Bay City Blues Band (Brant Parker, Alan Duffy, Sean O’Grady, Bil Holinaty and The Groove Doctor. $10 at the door. The waterfront venue is closing with a final New Year’s Eve concert Dec. 31 with Jack de Keyzer.

GINGER AND JAKE

Looking to get out of the house on the afternoon before Christmas? Take in some fine quality live music and fine barbecue when Ginger St. James and Big Rude Jake team up for the Sunday brunch and blues session at Lou Dawg’s, 116 George St., in Hess Village, 289-389-3227. A great combination of Christmas, country, blues and swing. Sunday, Dec. 24, with doors opening at noon. No cover.

FREEDOM TRAIN

A Christmas party with one of Hamilton’s best-loved cover bands. Freedom Train plays only the best — Motown, Beatles, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty. Friday, Dec. 22, 9:30 p.m., at Stonewalls, 339 York Blvd., 905-577-0808. Drop by early for dinner and a good seat. $10 cover includes a ticket for door prize draws. Freedom Train will also provide the entertainment on New Year’s Eve at Carmen’s Banquet Centre.

JR DIGS XMAS

Hamilton comedian JR Digs hosts his ninth annual acoustic Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m. at New Vision United Church, 24 Main St. W., with Max Kerman of the Arkells, John Angus MacDonald of The Trews, Tom Wilson, Luke Bentham of The Dirty Nil, Wayne Petti, Mike Trebilcock and Tyler Kyte of Dwayne Gretzky. There maybe a handful of tickets through jrdigs.com, starting at $35, or at Dr. Disc.