This week's hot concerts

Overmountain Men

8 p.m. Friday, December 30, Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $6-$9. www.themilestoneclub.com

The Americana outfit led by revered songwriter David Childers heads up this NYE warm-up show. Get there early to catch the Funky Geezer (aka retiree Woody Williams), a true character and comedic throwback to early country-western.

The Hot Gates

10 p.m. Friday, Decmeber 30, Snug Harbor, 1228 Gordon St. $7. 704-333-9799.

Jason Scavone’s new band, who recently released its debut album “Ride It Out,” headlines a bill that includes rising Charlotte trio Side By Side and Charleston’s Heyrocco.

Best New Year’s Eve Party Ever

8 p.m. Saturday, December 31, Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $7-$9. www.themilestoneclub.com

The West side venue boasts a bevy of performers including female blood(!) wrestlers Gore Gore Luchadores, and musical acts Hectagons!, Mr. Invisible, One Another, Emotron, and Hungry Girl.

 
Hello Handshake/the Spiveys

9 p.m. Saturday, December 31, Sanctuary, 507 E. 36^th St. Free.

Expect Hello Handshake to ring in the New Year with an interactive, Flaming Lips-inspired set, while the Spiveys (former members of the Stellas) continue to churn out infectious pop-rock gems. With opening acoustic sets from Evergone and Matt Rea.

Widespread Panic

9 p.m. Saturday, December 31, Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. $74.30-$79.40. www.ticketmaster.com

The only remaining concert of the nine dates left before the Athens’ jam veteran’s 2012 hiatus with tickets still available. Expect another marathon set with the horn section that helped punch up the band’s Bonnaroo set earlier this year.

Bubonik Funk

10:30 p.m. Saturday, December 31, Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St. $10-$12. 704-376-3737.

Though it supposedly slowed down this year, the jam-funk outfit continued to pad its resume opening for Jonny Lang and Zach Deputy and playing the DrumStrong festival. It rings in 2012 with Public Speakers.

 
Hoverboard/Marry Me Joanna

8 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, Milestone, 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd. $6-$9. www.themilestoneclub.com

A Charlotte combo whose post-punk juggles pop hooks and raw heaviness. Its track “Needafix” recalls bands like Boy Sets Fire and Lifetime and reveals plenty of potential. Columbia’s Marry Me Joanna veers toward poppier punk territory with radio ready hooks.