HIT PICK

Bleecker Street, Friday, January 5, at Cheers, is one of those bands that's easy to overlook; its predominant qualities (reliability, good fellowship, fine musicianship) don't always grab listeners the way they should. But Ben Stevens, Washboard Chaz and Steve "Porkchop" Sheldon are solid performers, their new CD, Tumblin' Down (featuring a guest appearance by Taj Mahal), is enjoyable in a subtle, low-key way, and they're entertaining live. In the first week of a new year, what more do you want?