Your guide to this week’s rock 'n' roll fundraisers

With the few bucks you have left in your pocket after you're finished with Christmas shopping, we suggest that you spend it on music. You can feel even better about this decision by spending it on concerts that benefit local charities. We run down four ways to give back on four nights.

Rockin' for Food

If there was ever a better time to catch some local rockers, that time would be now. Uncle Sid, the Joe Turner Band, and Twisted unite on Wednesday (December 15) to benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Vancouver-based hard-rock/metal band Uncle Sid is geared with their third album, Eye Rock, and ready to show off the vocal styling of their new frontwoman, Lor Dane. Meanwhile, the Joe Turner Band from Langley lays down alt rock numbers from their latest release, Generator, and Twisted from Surrey brings back the beloved sounds of ”˜70s and ”˜80s metal. Rockin' for Food takes place at the Media Club (695 Cambie Street). Tickets are $7 and guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item.

Funderwear

If underwear and indie pop-rock is your thing, head to the Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward Street) on Friday (December 17) for Funderwear. Presented by local music company File Under: Music, Kathryn Calder of the New Pornographers, David Vertesi of Hey Ocean!, Victoria-based rockers Meatdraw, and local duo Rococode will rock out from 9pm onwards to benefit the Salvation Army Harbour Light House. Tickets are $10, but a donation of new socks and undies will get you in for free.

A Keith Richards Birthday Extravaganza

A handful of Canadian musicians will pay tribute to the Rolling Stones guitarist by covering a song or two in a fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank on Saturday (December 18). Edmonton-born singer-songwriter Rich Hope will be joined by bluesy rockers the British Columbians, Chris Read and the Poolhall Gospel, alt rockers War Baby, rockabilly band Hard Rock Miners, the Rentalmen, and Gathering Moss for a Keith Richards Birthday Extravaganza. Presented by Hidden Charms, things get started at the Fairview Pub (898 W. Broadway Street) at around 10pm. Tickets are $10, or $5 with a non-perishable food donation.

Blues for Christmas

Things get bluesy at the Commodore this Sunday (December 19) for the 25th annual Blues for Christmas concert. Half of this year's proceeds go to Our Music Family Society, an organization dedicated to helping musicians during life-threatening illnesses. The Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts will also benefit. Join Jerry Doucette, Jason Buie, Kenny Wayne, Dalannah Gail Bowen & Straight-Up, Gary Comeau & the Rhythm Kings, Johnny Ferreira & the Swing Machine, Joani Bye & the Homewreckers, Incognito with Murray Porter & Sibel Thrasher, Brainchild, Billy Dixon's Soul Train Express, and the Solid Gold Sisters of Soul. Tickets are $25 plus service charges.