Local

Ready for the new millennium? The M-Shop is. Although the venue is closed over break, it still offers the opportunity to celebrate the new year.

The “Not Quite New Year’s Eve Party” features The Kabalas with Douglas and Tucker. The bash begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $6, $5 for students.

Regional

For a skanking good time this weekend head to Hairy Mary’s in Des Moines on Friday.

Grubby Ernie joins The Leftovers and Jimmy Skaffa at 9 p.m. While enjoying the ska, don’t forget to crack open a can of Schlitz. The 21-and-up show costs $5.

National

Once again, Pavement may have disbanded.

Frontman Steve Malkmus announced Saturday at the group’s concert in London’s Brixton Academy that it would be its last.

The group’s European label, Domino, told NME last Wednesday that the band is retiring for the foreseeable future to “start families, sail around the world, get into the computer industry, dance and get some attention.”

Guitarist Scott Kannenberg added that the band has been working nonstop for the last eight to 10 years. “We just want to rethink what it means being in a band,” he said.

In the meantime, Kannenberg plans to continue working on solo material.

Bassist Steve West will also continue his own musical endeavors. His side project, Marble Valley, releases its second album, “Sunset Sprinkler,” next year, according to Allstar News.

But don’t worry Pavement fans, this may not be the end.

According to a message posted on the band’s Web site, www.pavementtherockband.com, they are just taking a break.

“Contrary to what has been said, Pavement are not breaking up,” the Web site states.

“They are taking a much needed rest as they do at the end of every touring year. They would like to thank all of those who have supported them this year as in the past. They will be back sooner than you know.”

In the meantime, “The Slow Century,” a Pavement video and DVD compilation is to be released sometime in 2000.

Pavement’s Matador label mate, Cat Power, will be covering some rock ‘n’ roll tunes from The Rolling Stones, Michael Hurley, Bob Dylan and The Velvet Underground on her appropriately titled new album, “The Covers Record.”

The 12 tracks will also include a cover of one of her own songs. Check it out March 21.

Until then, Cat Power will be on tour in Australia. The Mushroom label is re-releasing “Moon Pix” with three bonus tracks in anticipation of the tour, according to Matador News.