‘EXILE ON KETTNER BLVD.’
The Rolling Stones have never released a Christmas record, unlike The Beatles, who between 1963 and 1969 made limitededition Christmas singles that were mailed each year to their fan club members. But if Christmas and the Stones seem as unlikely a pairing as gingerbread and whiskey, the still-rocking English band has inspired an annual San Diego holiday music tradition dating back to 1993. That was when the Casbah hosted the first edition of “Exile on Kettner Blvd.,” which was created as a festive vehicle for musicians and fans to celebrate Christmas Eve with a live, all-Stones soundtrack. Named after the band’s landmark 1972 double album “Exile on Main Street,” this free Casbah gig has been a multigenerational affair for at least the past three years. “My son, Henry, is 19, and he was 16 the first time he guested on a few songs for the ‘Exile’ night. We drafted him for the full show after that!” said guitarist, singer and musical dircetor Andrew McKeag. (The elder McKeag was 21 when he made his Casbah debut with the band Liquid Sunshine, circa 1990.) Saturday’s “Exile” show will feature various Stones classics, along with a front-to-back performance of each song on the band’s 1973 album “Goat Head Soup.” The band also includes Joey Guevara on keyboards, harmonica and vocals, George Vidaurri on bass and vocals, Paul Brewin on drums and Jonny Viau on sax, plus a surprise guest or three. 9 p.m. Saturday. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. Free (must be 21 or older to attend). (619) 232-4355, casbahmusic.com