Hand it to KRBZ 96.5 (the Buzz): In 2011, the alt-rock radio station has brought to town Sleigh Bells, Neon Indian, the Hold Steady and Social Distortion, among others. For these holiday shows, the station is working with a fairly refined formula: popular but unexciting headliner, a couple of well-liked (but less popular) second-tier indie acts in the middle, and a local band to open the evening. Nothing here blows me away. (Surfer Blood comes close.) But as far as something for everyone goes, these are worthy lineups. Monday: Florence + the Machine, Two Door Cinema Club, Cowboy Indian Bear; Tuesday: 311, the Naked and the Famous, Surfer Blood, Soft Reeds, DJ Soulman; Wednesday: Matt and Kim, Company of Thieves, Antennas Up.
— David Hudnall