Thursday (12/7): Jazz buffs and local music aficionados alike should head over to the Biko House at 6612 Sueno Rd. tonight for an evening of experimental jazz. The Last Messiah +1 is slated to play, as well as Braclyd – a band made up of members of the Hairbrain Scheme and Boombox Orchestra. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Friday (12/8): Roll over to the Presidio Chapel for some Beethoven tonight, as the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies present the fourth annual Beethovenfest. This free two-day event features performances of the great composer’s work and an exhibit of artifacts, manuscripts and more related to Beethoven and his music. More information about the event, including a schedule of performances, is available at http://www.sbbeethovenfest.org/.

Saturday (12/9): It’s not the polar express, but the Candy Cane Train at the South Coast Railroad Museum is a pretty cool way to get your holiday spirit on. This miniature train is all decked out in holiday gear and, for just $3 you can take a ride and receive a free holiday treat. While you’re at the museum, which is located at 300 N. Los Carneros Rd., check out their exhibit on toy trains and teddy bears. More information is available at 805-964-3540.

Sunday (12/10): What happens when a devout Jew and a young up-and-coming yuppie come together? Find out when Broadway veteran Ben Hammer joins Aaron Serotsky in “Visiting Mr. Green” at the Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara. The show plays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. today, and more information is available at 805-962-8606.

Monday (12/11): Procrastinate on your finals studying and check out Australian punkabilly superstars The Living End at the Majestic Ventura Theatre. The show starts at 7 p.m. and more information is available at 805-653-0721.

Tuesday (12/12): Rock out at the Roxy tonight, as KCRW 89.9 FM presents the Gimme Shelter Benefit featuring Starsailor, Switchfoot, The Like, Mellowdrone and more. Not only will proceeds from the event benefit The Spectrum Program, which is a school for autistic children in Santa Monica, but this 7 p.m. concert will also give you a chance to check out one of L.A.’s best up-and-coming bands, the inimitable Simon Dawes. Plus, there’s a rumor that American Idol’s Taylor Hicks might be performing. More information is available at 310-278-9457.

Wednesday (12/13): Rock around the Christmas Tree – or at least around SOhO while listening to Christmas music – tonight, as rock guitarist Gary Hoey takes the stage. The show will feature Hoey’s renditions of popular Christmas tunes and it starts at 9 p.m. Sorry kiddies, the show is 21 and over only.