Tuned In

Greenfield-based musician Jeff Steblea plays in Fiesta Brava, but he also has his own band, Mystics Anonymous, a highly eclectic project that follows his muse wherever it leads.

“People make fun of me for liking so many different kinds of music,” Steblea said. “As one person said, ‘You like to like stuff.’ ”

The truth, he says, is that he’s creatively restless. “No sooner do I finish something, then I have the compulsion to do something else, and have it be different than what came before.” Nevertheless, he says, “There is a cohesive vision behind [the band’s music]. It’s just that it’s a panoramic one.”

Steblea, a major music fan, finds inspiration in the diverse output of bands like Yo La Tengo and Camper Van Beethoven.

“One of the things I like most about them is that I never get tired of listening to them, they always keep me interested,” he said.

Mystics Anonymous is usually a solo project (with three full-length albums and a fourth record in the works) but he put a band together for a show back in September — Andy Goulet on bass, Matt Silberstein on guitar and Brian Marchese on drums. That quartet will come together again for a concert at The Basement in Northampton tonight at 8 p.m. Span of Sunshine will open.



Spin the Black Circle II: Eclectic Boogaloo! It’s the second revolution of Michael Metivier and Jamie Berger’s vinyl listening party, this time featuring slightly more obscure selections: Johnny Jenkins’ blues/rock/New Orleans lost classic 1970 LP “Ton-Ton Macoute!” and Young Marble Giants’ sparse and influential 1980 album “Colossal Youth.” Hang out, have food and drink, listen and discuss. At the Thrive Project in Turners Falls Friday at 7 p.m.





Bella’s Bartok released a new apocalyptic EP back in August, “We Are Not a Cult,” which showcases in Technicolor Cinemascope sound just how powerful a band they are — like the psychotic parade of “So Calm, Relaxed,” which would be perfect for Tim Burton’s next ghoulish movie. With some yo-ho-ho and shout-along songs, the seven-piece band will wake up any jaded dozers and take over the Rendezvous in Turners Falls Friday at 9:30 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Chris Pureka plays an early show at the Elevens Saturday at 7 p.m. Sera Cahoone starts off the night.

The popular local band The Sun Parade, back from a cross-country tour, plays for a welcoming-home crowd at the Iron Horse in Northampton Saturday at 10 p.m. Eytan and the Embassy open.



Brooklyn-based honky-tonkers The Sweetback Sisters hold their country Christmas sing-along at the Iron Horse Sunday at 7 p.m. Twangbusters is also on the bill.



The Arkansas-based Shout Lulu String Band brings its banjos and fiddles north for a night at the Rendezvous in Turners Falls Wednesday at 8 p.m. Free show.





The Original Cowards celebrates the release of its new album with a show at the Sierra Grille in Northampton Thursday at 10 p.m. TRUCKS and new local band Shangri Lips start off the night.