8 tonight: End of the World Party at New Brookland Tavern. Will someone please cover R.E.M.’s "It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"? Or maybe that’s too literal. We can think of at least three rock stations in town who will probably get the job done for us today. The band’s playing this party: The Noise (pugnacious rock), The Sea Wolf Mutiny (melodic rock), The Restoration (orchestral rock) and Latenights (indie-pop rock). If this is the end, why not rock out with a variety? NBT is at 122 State St., West Columbia. $7 for over 21, $10 for under; www.newbrooklandtavern.com

10 tonight: Whigmas/End of the World Party at The Whig. Now, here’s a way to celebrate the end of civilization: by reminding people that Santa Claus is still scheduled to come to town in four days. Go to Whigmas, and you will not be alone. You might even find holiday cheer if you haven’t already. The Whig is at 1200 Main St.; www.facebook.com/whig.time

10 tonight: Drivin’ N Cryin’ at 5 Points Pub. Drivin’ N Cryin’, which headlined the 2011 Rockafellas’ Reunion, is a Southern rock band that remains popular in these parts. We’re sure the band’s dogged determination has something to do with it. With The Fairy God Muthas. 5 Points Pub is at 2020 Devine St. $12; www.the5pointspub.com

6 p.m. Saturday: Go Radio at NBT. Go Radio, a rock band that has anthem-writing down, released “Close the Distance” in September. The album features “Go to Hell,” a goodbye song that makes a sterling case for the singer’s anger and dissatisfaction with a previous relationship. But underneath the bitterness lies a sense of loss, and the anger is betrayed by misery. The song title then becomes a self-help mantra. It’s a brilliant break-up song. With Brigades and All-New Badges. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

8 p.m. Saturday: John William Davis at Unitarian Universalist Coffeehouse. John Williams Davis, a folksy blues singer who delivers his music in a sing-song delivery featuring tone shifts, has a gift for turns of phrase. On “Pepper Tree” he sings, “I count my fortune on worry beads / Because too much fortune worries me/ In the middle of the street with all my luck / Here comes life in a big ol’ truck.” Later on the same song, “And if you ever get stuck up in the pepper tree / You better hang on tight if you happen to sneeze.” With Dylan Sneed. The UU is at 2701 Heyward St. $5-$15; (803) 200-2824 or www.uucoffeehouse.org

11 p.m. Saturday: Dr. Roundhouse at NBT. Dr. Roundhouse, formerly the acoustic duo DNR, added heft in the form of a rhythm section. The acoustic-leaning songs of Jon Coxe and Russell Goodman are still at the center of this alt-country rock band that now includes bassist Nate Poston and drummer Nick McGill. With The Post-Timey String Band. $5 for over 21, $8 under

10 p.m. Sunday: Can’t Kids Xmas Service at The Whig. We’re familiar with Can’t Kids, an elastic indie-rock band that melds girl-boy harmonies with stubbed-toe yelps. But we’re not sure exactly what an Xmas Service entails. According to The Whig’s Facebook page, the service includes a special sermon by the Greater Columbia Society for the Preservation of Soul.” Free