The Federal Reserve, a collective of local musicians, played an epic four-hour holiday concert at IOTA on Friday. Concert-goers paid $12 to the charity Community Lodgings and were treated to four-song sets by a litany of musicians in what resembled an all-star-laden open-mike night.

To decide the order, musicians’ names were pulled one by one from a hat. John Bustine was up first. The tall, tattooed artist took his place under a web of white Christmas lights and kicked off the evening with a soulful rendition of John Prine’s Christmas-tinged “All The Best.” Later, during the excellent “Miss Amputee West Culver County,” you could hear musicians in the audience harmonizing with Bustine during his chorus. It was a preview of what was to come.

Monday: A Work Week Happy Hour
Heading into happy hour hungry after work? The downtown Chef Geoff’s, three blocks from the White House, is the place to go. The $5 burgers are served with a heaping helping of shoestring fries. And the beer? Oh, Lord, the beer. The dark-wood-paneled bar tosses out this heavenly thing called a Supermug: 34 ounces of beer for $7.95 from an excellent array of beers on tap. If you’re less thirsty, long-necked beers (I usually go for the Shiner) are $2.95.

Tuesday: Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night —December 2 through January 4—stars great comic actors: Veanne Cox, Floyd King, and Nancy Robinette. Rebecca Bayla Taichman, who directed The Taming of the Shrew, is at the helm. For tickets ($20 to $79.75), call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org. 7:30 PM.

Do you love rockabilly music but can’t stand the slicked-back, greasy look that often goes with it? Well, leave the pomade behind and check out the Hall Monitors, a band from DC.

The quartet that dons matching outfits “out of convenience,” according to drummer Mike Sullivan, perfects the retro-garage, rockabilly sound. It's bluesy, with an appropriate hint of R&B and, of course, rock roots. Singer/guitarist Sean Crowley’s rustic voice fits seamlessly over the music, while the group’s backup vocals complement his. It’s also a treat when Ginger Richards (vox/guitar) croons alongside Crowley. The two sound so flawless on “I Don’t Want No One Else” that when the song’s over after a mere minute and a half, you’ll probably press play again.

A side of the band that doesn’t have the chance to shine through the music—but is apparent in the bio and Q&A responses—is that the members are a witty bunch.

How’d they get together? The band members will tell you it happened after a drunken night in the District when Crowley, Mike Sullivan, and Matt Sullivan (bass) were beaten up by a group of Yankees fans. For some reason, the guys launched into a version of the Standelles’ “Dirty Water.” Their arresting officer, Richards, was impressed and asked them to start a band with her. The guys agreed only because they believed she was the love child of Ginger Baker and Keith Richards (is that even possible?). And the rest is history. (Okay, so that story might not be completely accurate. Get the “real” story after the jump.)

Unfortunately, the Hall Monitors don’t have any albums released yet, but interested parties can stream tracks on the band’s Web site and MySpace page. Or better yet, go to the band’s show tonight at the Quarry House in Silver Spring.

Members of the band discuss their dream tour, how they really came to be, and more in our Q&A.

Fleetwood Mac is going on tour for the first time in five years, and the group comes to the Verizon Center on Tuesday, March 10. Rumours, the band’s 1977 album that sold over 10 million copies, will be re-released in conjunction with the tour dates. Tickets ($49.50 to $149.50) go on sale Monday, February 15, at 10 AM.

British musician James Morrison is playing 12 shows in the US, the last of which is at the 9:30 Club on Thursday, February 5. Tickets ($15) go on sale Saturday, December 13, at 10 AM.

Looking to eat out to ring in 2009? Here's our guide to what restaurants are serving on December 31st.

Some people prefer a low-key New Year’s Eve celebration at home, sitting by the fire watching the ball drop on TV. That’s nice and all, but we prefer a party. And that’s what we’ve got in our annual roundup of some of the best New Year’s Eve parties and galas going on in Washington. We even found some alcohol-free, family-friendly events. Read on to plan your December 31st.

Hotel Parties | Big Bashes | Concerts | Family-Friendly | Free/No Cover

Hotel Parties

Downtown Countdown
This New Year’s Eve gala, in its 12th year, will be held at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt, Washington DC. Guests can enjoy a five-hour open bar and hors d’oeuvres; entertainment including bands, DJs, and comedians; and a midnight balloon drop. DC101’s Elliot in the Morning and the Class will broadcast live from the party. Ticket prices will increase as the event nears, and VIP tickets—which include a separate entrance, complimentary coat check, and a longer open bar—are also available. Regular tickets $109, VIP $175; 8:30 to late; 301-652-7712.

You might also like . . . Create a Holiday Cocktail Party for $75 | What to Wear to Holiday Parties | A Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks | Cozy Bars

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, December 11:Free wine, anybody? Domasoteca, in Rosslyn’s Hotel Palomar, hosts a complimentary mulled-wine tasting from 5 to 8. For additional information, call 703-594-5104.

Drinking for the holidays and for charity? That’s certainly something we can get behind. It’s happening this evening at the Adams Morgan bar Bourbon, when Bartending 4 Change hosts a happy hour  to benefit Hands on DC; 6:30 to 8:30.

The Willard Intercontinental afternoon tea includes a selection of tea sandwiches, orange and raisin scones with Devonshire cream and a variety of preserves, fresh pastries, and a pot of freshly brewed tea. Choose two flavors from the caffeinated black teas: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Leaves of Provence, and Celebration; the lightly caffeinated green teas: Green Tea Passion and Jasmine-Mint; or a caffeine-free herbal-and-fruit blend: Chamomile Citron, African Amber, and Verbana Mint. Tea is served every day through December from 2:30 to 5; $39, $49 with a glass of Champagne. Call 202-637-7305 for reservations.

The Hay-Adams hotel is holding holiday tea in the Lafayette every Sunday from November 30 through December 28. Choose from a selection of sandwiches, cranberry scones with cream and organic strawberry preserves, and a pastry plate with a fruit tartlet, chocolate cake, and more. Twelve varieties of tea are available including Cranberry Autumn and Cinnamon Spice. Tea is served from 3 to 5; $40 for adults, $33 for children ages 12 and under. Call 202-638-6600 for reservations.