December 26 - January 1 in nightlife: New Year's Eve, The Roots, Matisyahu

Ah, it's finally here - December 31. Yes, the end of the year, but also that special night when Baltimore bars stay open all night long thanks to a wonderful, archaic state law. Later this week we'll put together a list of all (ok, most) of the bars that are staying open past 2 a.m. Until then, here's the week in nightlife: Matisyahu, a Grateful Dead cover band, Jason Weems, and the Roots.

On Monday, Slainte Irish Pub opens at 7 a.m. for St. Stephen's Day, which Wikipedia tells me is some kind of pagan holiday. Live music 4 - 8 p.m. and $4 Guinness and $4 Michael Collins Irish Whiskey all day long. 1700 Thames Street.

On Tuesday, the Grilled Lincolns, a Baltimore rock and hip-hop hybrid, perform at the 8X10, 10 East Cross St. 8 p.m. $20.90.

On Wednesday, Dark Star Orchestra, a Grateful Dead cover band, performs at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place. 7 p.m. $25 day of show. And: Matisyahu plays the 9:30 Club. $35.

On Thursday, The Roots, out with the excellent "undun," perform the first of two nights at the Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road. Last year, the band's only Fall show in the area was at Rams Head. $45.

On Friday, it's Station North's Final Friday of the year. Events, starting at 5 p.m., include a performance by comic Jason Weems at Load of Fun, 120 West North Ave. Free.

On Saturday, it's New Year's Eve. Here are ten ways to spend the night, including Big Night and a rave at the Paradox. Again, the Tipsy? Taxi! service is offered for the night, as well as several public transport options. Also: remember to log on to Midnight Sun for a list of bars staying open past 2 a.m.

On Sunday, spend the first night of 2012 resting. It promises to be a long year.