It's the second weekend of the new year, and already the nostalgia is setting in. Evidenced perhaps by the Bay Area World Guitar Show at the Marin Civic Center this weekend. Part guitar-oriented "Antique Roadshow," part new product showcase, the event routinely draws famous six-stringers (12-stringers, too) from far and wide, and some from not so far and wide. Past attendees Joe Satriani and Bill Gibbons exhibit the far, Carlos Santana the not so much. Admission for Jan. 9 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 10 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $15, children younger than 12 are free.

On Jan. 8, in addition to being Bill Graham's and Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger's birthday, is the first Treble at BASS of the new year. Beginning at 8 p.m. the Bay Area Sound Studios in San Rafael will play host to local acts Stone Cold Culture, the Blenders, Cypher Syndicate and Rule 5 ($5 students, $10 everybody else, all ages). Check them out here before they become famous and force you to stalk them at guitar shows.

Perhaps more in keeping with the late Mr. Graham's memory, local Grateful Dead tribute band Cryptical will be appearing the same day at Fairfax's 19 Broadway. Drawing from several Dead tribute band sources, Cryptical fuses the guitars of Phil Coulson (Jerry's Kids) and Barry Erde (Mind's Eye and Live Dead) with the keys of Mitch Stein (Live Dead and Groove Division) over the rhythm template of Stephen Ramirez's bass (Zen Tricksters, Live Dead) and the drums of Ben Shroeter (Jerry's Kids). Almost

all of them have also played with various Dead members (past and present) at some point in their careers; $10 gets you into the 9 p.m. show, and as an added bonus you get an appearance by classic rock poster artist Stanley Mouse. It'll feel like the Avalon Ballroom circa 1967 all over again, but then again, Fairfax can often feel that way.

For those more inclined to bang one's head than wax nostalgic, perhaps the hard-core metal of Vengince and Importaletum at an all-ages Phoenix show, also Jan. 8, might be more to your liking. Fresh from a year of European tours and a new album, "Turn for the Worst" (with deeply disturbing cover art) Vengince will show you Petalumans the mercy that they learned from sharing stages with the likes of Slipknot, Machine Head and Disturbed. Be prepared, because there will be no crying for your mommy ($8, 8 p.m.). Devour the Masses will also take part in the mayhem.

The boogie-woogie of Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88's will take over Rancho Nicasio again Jan. 9 ($12 and $15, 8:30 p.m.) and the bass playing of Brian M. Wilkerson comes to Novato's Wild Fox restaurant (free, 8 p.m.). I'm just asking here, but is the "M" really necessary? Meanwhile, Aram Danesh and the Super Human Crew along with John Korty and Friends appear at 19 Broadway ($12, 9 p.m.)

But just when you think it is safe, Rancho Nicasio fields the debut of the Bueno Brothers on Jan. 10. The Brothers feature the guitar work of Lorin Rowan (the Edge, Rowan Brothers) and Dave Jenkins (Pablo Cruise). Two local heavyweights for free, I tell you! (4 p.m.). Now, that is entertainment.

For band listings, musical news, music-related gossip or related sightings, contact Doctor.rock@live.com.