Here’s a holiday survival gig guide – try to get to at least one and have a great holiday season.

Thursday, December 21, The Hollands @ Spa Bar, Daylesford

The Hollands are a full-time, internationally touring family based in the US, via Australia.

Self-described 21st century nomads, they frolic in the Americana/folk revival scene. 

Jana Holland, originally a Michigander, has travelled between three continents with a  willingness to give any instrument a go.

This has lead to offerings on the mandolin, banjo and guitar. 

Also a songwriter in her own right, harmonies are added by daughter and vocalist Graciana Holland.

Craig Holland, a native of Victoria, began his music career playing punk rock, including a seven-year stint in Ballydowse, a Chicago-based Celtic punk band recorded by famed indie producer, Steve Albini. 

Named after Australian bush poet Banjo Patterson, the youngest Holland, Banjo, is on the cajon and other percussion instruments. 

The Hollands are seasoned concert performers, engaging audiences and rousing a sing-a-long with their intimate merrymaking.

Friday, December 22, DJ Beats with DJ Clay Ravin, 9-11pm @ Spa Bar, Daylesford

Saturday, December 23, Gillian & Terry @ Spa Bar, Daylesford

Playing acoustic versions of everyone’s favourite classic hits from great bands.

Everything from Dragon, the Pretenders, Fleetwood Mac, Jimi Hendrix, Cold Chisel and Bob Marley to Hoodoo Gurus, the Divinyls, the Kinks, Small Faces, Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, the Animals and more.

I’d ask for John Lennon’s War is Over – bet they know it!

Thursday, December 28, Yenni & John @ Spa Bar, Daylesford

Local jazz vocalist Yenni Brennan and pianist John Muir perform jazz classics on the piano – from Ella Fitzgerald to Jobim and Piaf.

Saturday, December 30, The Zero Point @ Spa Bar, Daylesford 

Party rock outfit The Zero Point – featuring Scott Sanders, Matt Reid (Hobo Erectus) and Tom Foster (Plumz, Smurfinger) – play jammed-out rock covers you can dance to.

Sunday, December 31, The Family Farm Band, 8-11pm; after 11pm, DJ Beats @ Spa Bar, Daylesford

Friday, December 22, A Country Christmas Revue featuring Raised By Eagles, Lost Ragas and The Ahern Brothers @ Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Certainly one of the picks of the season.

Three great bands at this triple-act country Christmas revue.

Raised By Eagles, with one of the albums of the year, certainly an  alt-country contender, are not to be missed.

They have been touring extensively after the release of their critically acclaimed third album I Must Be Somewhere.

Fellow talents Lost Ragas and The Ahern Brothers will join them in this rousing, soul-shaking, country-style revue.

Led by the ARIA award-winning Matt Walker, Lost Ragas are taking time out from the studio where they are working on their next album. 

Steve Grady and Josh Rennie-Hynes, who make up The Ahern Brothers, have been busy on the road, touring with Tex, Don and  Charlie, fast forging a name for themselves as one of the best new country/folk acts on the scene.

Friday, December 22, Croaky Karaoke @ Old Hepburn Hotel

Saturday, December 23, Matty Chaps @ Old Hepburn Hotel

Pop, rock or golden oldies, Matty has the ability to keep singing and play guitar like it’s his last day on earth.

Sunday, December 24, Cam Kettle @ Old Hepburn Hotel

Cam Kettle will be playing favourite covers plus some of his own beautifully crafted songs.

Friday, December 29, Croaky Karaoke @ Old Hepburn Hotel

Saturday, December 30, Gilly and Terry @ Old Hepburn Hotel

Friday, December 29, Scott Fraser @ Blue Bean Cafe

Saturday, December 30, Catherine Traicos @ Blue Bean Cafe

Sunday, December 31, Ellerby @ Blue Bean Cafe