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The LaDonnas have finished their latest album, which comes out on the Scooch Pooch imprint in February. It's titled Rock You All Night Long, and Scott Campbell, the booker at the 15th Street Tavern, says that it "sounds like AC/DC." Judge for yourself when the LaDonnas join Boss 302 at the Tavern on Saturday, December 13.

One of the folks in our classified department informs me that Big Head Todd and the Monsters were featured on Jenny Jones's talk show during Thanksgiving week. However, Todd Park Mohr was not on hand so that he could admit harboring a secret crush on his bandmates; the group simply played a song. Another scoop down the drain.

Here's a joke that only followers of the Denver music scene will get. After seeing Ron Howard on TV last week, my wife suggested a great new name for a band: Opie Gone Bald.

I'm not going to have to explain that one to you, am I? On Thursday, December 11, Half-Way There goes all the way at Cricket on the Hill, with Freak Hungre and Bears of the Sun. On Friday, December 12, Carolyn's Mother nurses Tina and the B-Side Movement at Herman's Hideaway; the Snatchers get grabby at Seven South, with Sizewell and Lower 48; and the Hot Tomatoes stew at the Mercury Cafe. On Saturday, December 13, Chaos Theory touts Toys for Tots at the Bluebird Theater (admission is $6, or $3 with a donated toy). On Sunday, December 14, electric guitarist/composer Richard Cummings performs at the Houston Fine Arts Center (info can be gleaned at 759-1797); Hazel Miller returns to the Fox Theatre; and Zero adds up at the Little Bear. On Tuesday, December 16, a taping of E-Town at the Boulder Theater features Ricky Skaggs and Jeb Loy Nichols And on Wednesday, December 17, Lionel Young visits Brendan's in support of his new CD, As the Sun Goes Down. Hot stuff.

--Michael Roberts

Backbeat's e-mail address is: Michael_Roberts@westword.com. While you're online, visit Michael Roberts's Jukebox at www.westword.com