The Auld Shillelagh's main event is the annual Frank's New Year's Eve Party. Now in its fifth year, Frank, Dean, Sammy et al welcome you to a great evening of music, films, drinking and carousing. Make sure you come early as the pub is guaranteed to be packed. Tickets from the bar. If you can't make it (and even if you can), soothe your hangover with 'A Drink With Frank' on New Year's Day. Regular attractions at the Shillelagh include The Other Brothers playing traditional Irish music every second Friday of the month (105 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0207 249 5951 www.theauldshillelagh.co.uk).

Blush's programme of music and comedy continues in December and January. Blush regular, Ally from Trybyrd, is appearing on 12 December with special guests Tetrapack, and Martha Lewis and Diane McLoughlin will be playing jazz and easy listening on 2 January (all free). Zoe Lewis is headlining the 4-act comedy night on 11 December (£3 before 9pm, £5 after). Finally the new monthly night Bedroom promises lots of pop, air guitar and general merriment with DJs Sadie Lee and Lea Andrews on 1 January (£3 before 9pm, £5 after). For further details contact Blush, 8 Cazenove Road, N16 0207 923 9202.

Barracuda has regular Friday evenings with 'Professor' Johnny Miller. Much-praised folk singer/guitarist and songwriter Rosalie Deighton is playing on Monday 20 December, tickets £5.00 on door. Doors 7pm (125 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0207 275 0400).

Bagabon (previously Bar Lorca) are continuing to host 100% Funki, the weekly jam session for both musicians and vocalists on Sundays (9pm-12am, free). Free salsa lessons with Rodolfo on Mondays are probably good preparation for the salsa night on Fridays (9pm-2am, £2), which promises Nu Latin and Salsa Disco. Origin Blue on Wednesdays showcases new bands, and Saturday's popular R&B night - Pure Talent - continues (9pm-2am, £4) (176 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 0207 275 8659).

The contemporary cabaret night (La Brasserie de Martyrs) continues in the cellar bar at Bodrum offering a platform for performers including poets, dancers, musicians and comedians, who don't fit the usual mainstream venues, in an atmosphere of innovation and experimentation (61 Stoke Newington High Street N16, for details call 0207 241 3743 or email peterbeverley@blueyonder.co.uk ).

The Lion's popular Wednesday evening, open mic night is definitely worth a visit. Blow the Fuse's new residency upstairs at The Lion continues on Friday evenings in December. Confirmed acts so far are Laka Daisical and Diane McLoughlin performing at the Christmas party night on 17th (132 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 254 8935, info@blowthefuse.com  www.blowthefuse.com ).

Ryan's regular Sunday night insurgent country music with Tattoo John is now followed with the recently introduced Stokey comedy night from 8.30pm. Special events for December include punk rock Corn Rocket Club appearing on Thursday 16 December with DJ Eric Ulcer and special guest bands. The Dead Spies (formerly the Frontline) are on 8pm on Friday 17th, and Saturday 18t h is the Ryan's Christmas Special, showcasing Northern Monkeys DJs from 8pm, Monkey Island and the Jealousies. For fuller listings contact Ryan's, 181 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 275 7807.

The Eye has a really great and extensive programme of events lined up for December and January. The Half Cocks and guest DJs are bringing techno punk to N16 on 12th followed by inspirational reggae and r&b from Gladdywax on 13th (both free admission). The Fireman's Ball is being held on 14 December to raise funds for our local station - definitely an event that deserves lots of support. Katus and special guests are appearing on 16th (£4), followed by the 50s rocking country that is The Brick Lane Boogie Boys on 17th (£4) and TV Eye, Scintilla and guest DJs on 18th (£4). Anyone fancy being F***ed by Rock? This promising heavy metal band will be appearing on 19th and you don't even have to pay to get in. The Nightshakers continue their weekly rockabilly residency on Tuesdays throughout December and January. There's a Christmas party on 22nd, and on 23rd Hangdog Trash presents the extravaganza that is Dead Plants and The High Town Crows (£5). 

If you're still feeling sociable in the first week of January, then there's the Nelsons World Music New Year's Day bash on 1st (£5), techno punk from The Fighting Cocks on 2nd (£4), underground jazz on 3rd (£4) and indie bands and DJs from The Monster Sound Club on 4th (£4). The alternative Elvis-rockabilly stars Viva Las Vegas and The Grit are performing on 14th (£4), and Mike Gibson and the City Farmers on 22nd (£4). There's soul and funk from Frequency on 27th (£4), world music from Nelson's Night on 28th (£5) and, to finish the month in style, The Beat Club's rock and roll party on 29th (£4). (79-81 Stoke Newington High Street, 020 7923 7781).

Z Bar presents live music every Thursday from 9pm-midnight, with Motiv and Friends playing their original blend of jazz, funk, hiphop and Afrobeat live downstairs (58 Stoke Newington High Street, 020 7275 7523).