'Tis the season for benefit concerts

The holiday season is rich with giving and that means numerous benefit concerts are taking place this month. Tonight beachy Carolina Southern rock combo Jim Quick & the Coastline Band (pictured above) plays a benefit concert for Autism Speaks at Neighborhood Theatre. 7 p.m. $10-$12.

Across town Beards Because holds its annual fundraising finale party at Amos' Southend. The show, which features local artists Grown Up Avenger Stuff, Evelynn Rose, and the Spiveys, marks the end of the organization's growth period - men growing their facial hair to raise money for domestic violence awareness. Since 2007 its raised over $150,000 for women's shelters across four states. Admission is $15. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Snug Harbor will be collecting "keep warm" items for Occupy Charlotte during its Keep Occupy Warm fundraiser. The lineup includes Dallas, Trixie Zenyon, and Beth Ann Phetamine, as well as Miami/Dice, Hungry Girl, and One Another. 8:30 p.m. $5.

There are more benefit concerts to come next weekend with a Punk Rock Holiday Canned Food Drive at Tremont Friday, December 16. Admission is $6 but you get $2 off if you bring five or more canned items. 8 p.m.

The Aqualads also headline a benefit for local musician Rodney Lanier (Jolene, Sea of Cortez) who is being treated for cancer. That takes place Saturday the 17th at Evening Muse. The local instrumental surf group also recorded a holiday album with local guest vocalists. They'll celebrate its release as well. Proceeds from the sale of that album will also go to Lanier's trust. 10:30 p.m. $15.