In order to compete with the Bay area's more popular venues and better serve a burgeoning jam-music community, Rising Jupiter — a booking and promotions agency headed by local entrepreneur Ted Freed — moved all its larger shows from Java Junction in Clearwater to The Bank Nightclub and Concert Venue in St. Pete, including the two-night New Monsoon New Year's run this weekend. The San Francisco-based band definitely knows how to put on a lively, engaging show and has garnered a rather loyal fan base by fusing distinctive vocals and world rhythms with musical styles ranging from rock 'n' roll to funk and blues to bluegrass. If you've already made plans to see Gordon and the Duo at Jannus Friday night, I highly suggest hitting up the Bank afterward. Dec. 30-31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. both nights, 1919 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $10 Friday/$35 Saturday (includes a champagne toast and breakfast buffet), 727-898-4488, www.risingjupiter.net.
