*With weather related concerns in the forecast, last weekend’s JOHN VOKET & FRIENDS jam fest was cancelled. But John tells me he’s not putting this on the back burner for long. Details coming…

This weekend at Mocha, Sandy Hook native J.D. HILL returns with another performance of his “impassioned brand of classic and indie rock vocals and funky guitar.” That show will kick off the weekend on Friday, December 14, at 7:30 pm.

Then on Saturday it’ll be JEFF LABIANCO commanding the musical corner of the Glen Road coffee house. Jeff’s musical career began with trumpet in elementary school, which he continued performing on though high school, when he played in both the marching and concert bands. After high school the trumpet was retired and this young man picked up a guitar, which he promptly taught himself how to play.

He has been playing guitar off and on since, and has recorded several CDs as well. In 2005 Jeff recorded the soundtrack for a play called My name is Lola, which was presented at Sacred Heart University.

These days it’s the acoustic folk-pop along the lines of Coldplay, U2 and Bon Jovi that audiences can expect, including those of you who show up for Jeff’s show this weekend.

Both shows start at 7:30 and as always, there is no cover charge to get in… so buy lots of goodies to support the coffeehouse and tip the musicians if you have the opportunity to do so.

*Still enjoying and touring on the success of Big Dog Daddy, in addition to celebrating the release of his Classic Christmas, TOBY KEITH has decided to hit the road again in 2008. The new itinerary includes a pair of shows at Mohegan Sun Arena on February 28 and 29, and tickets for those shows go on sale this weekend.

Tickets are $75, $95 and $115, and will be on sale through TicketMaster on Saturday starting at 10. If the shows don’t sell out, tickets will also be available through the arena’s box office beginning on Sunday.

*THE DOUG WAHLBERG BAND has a pair of regional shows this weekend, but if you can’t get up to Patterson, N.Y. tonight (for a show at Daniel J’s; call 845-878-3838) or to NYC tomorrow night for another show at Crash Mansion (199 Bowery Street; telephone 212-982-0740), we can all look forward to December 29, when the band returns to Georgetown Saloon right in Redding.

Some band notes for this weekend’s shows: Tom Wahlberg will be joining the band for tonight’s show, Rick Tedesco is on leave from the Merchant Marine for the holidays, so he will be joining the guys for tomorrow’s gig.

Until next week I’ll be seeing you... on the road.

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks c/o The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com, or call the office at 426-3141. Shows listed at clubs are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

UPCOMING SHOWS

DECEMBER 14 — J.D. Hill at Mocha Coffee House, Sandy Hook; Gary Hoey at The Webster Theater, Hartford;

December 15 — Jeff Labianco at Mocha Coffee House;

December 16 — I Vocali Camarati at Fairfield Theatre Company, Fairfield (early workshop & performance, begins 4 pm); Chimaira at Toad’s Place, New Haven, Kataklsym, Terror and The End opening (all ages);

December 21 — Badfish at Toad’s Place, All in Blind opening (all ages); The Alternate Routes at The Ridgefield Playhouse;

December 22 — John Valby XXXmas Show at Toad’s Place;

December 26 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre (nightly shows through December 31);

December 27 — Paul Green School of Rock All-Stars Holiday Show at Fairfield Theatre Company; Clutch at Toad’s Place (all ages); Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre (nightly shows through December 31);

December 28 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre (nightly shows through December 31); Darik & The Funbags at Toad’s Place (all ages); Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Fairfield Theatre Company;

December 29 — John Voket & Brendan Walsh at Mocha Coffee House; Doug Wahlberg Band at Georgetown Saloon, Redding; Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre (nightly shows through December 31);

December 30 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre (nightly shows through December 31);

December 31 — The Wailers at Fairfield Theatre Company, Tea Leaf Green opening; Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre.

JANUARY 3 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre, Uncasville (nightly until January 6);

January 4 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre (nightly until January 6); Kid Rock at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville;

January 5 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre;

January 6 — Aaron Lewis (solo acoustic show) at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theatre.

January 12 — Ozzy Osborne & Rob Zombie at Mohegan Sun Arena;

January 31 — Keith Urban at Mohegan Sun Arena, Carrie Underwood opening (also February 1).