(Here's a round up of upcoming holiday benefit shows. A version of this story appeared in today's Spokesman-Review.)

The holiday season is in  full swing and during this time of year music always plays a special role in raising spirits, as well as raising money.

Coming up  are a few more opportunities to lend a helping hand and take in some live music at the same time.

Toys for Tots featuring Jamal Ali

Residing in Post Falls, but spending many evenings in nightclubs around Spokane, pianist and soul crooner Jamal Ali has a smooth hip-hop and R&B style that recalls both old and new school styles, from Michael Jackson and Al Green, to Boyz II Men and Usher. He'll be joinging several of his constant cohorts, including rappers Raw B. Downlow and Unique; R&B singer Dallas P; DJ Nephew and the Tangled Roots break dancing crew.

A breakout of the Insiders Entertainment collective, Unique has used his gritty tales and deft lyricism to build a strong reputation as one of the top solo hip-hop acts around Spokane. And Dallas P strikes a delicate balance between experimental and pop with his epic hooks and deep grooves.

When, where: Tonight at 8 p.m. at the Libby Branch of the Boys and Girls Club, 2900 E. First Ave.

Tickets: $5, or free with a toy

Toys for Tots featuring Plastic Saints

Brandon Humphreys is pulling double duty as the bandleader for Plastic Saints and lead guitarist for Buffalo Jones. And both bands are keeping him busy. The Saints, who play edgier rock and roll, are readying an album for spring, while the alternative rockin' Buffalo Jones has just begun writing new material.

Rounding out the bill is classic rock cover band FOG and Freak System. FOG, which stands for Five Old Guys, was assembled specifically for this event and will be playing songs by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, War, and The Beatles. Freak System played an acoustic set at a Toys for Tots event last year, but its the heaviest band on this year's lineup.

When, where: Thursday at 7:30 at The Knitting Factory Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave.

Tickets: $5 in advance, $7 day of show, or a suggested donation of a new $10 toy.

The Som Show Presents: Second Harvest Food Bank's Will Rock for Food featuring Illusion 33

You never know where or when Illusion 33 is going to pop up. Based out of Sandpoint, this rock trio has taking a sabbatical in Las Vega, toured relentlessly, and most recently, Ill 33 retreated to Vancouver, B.C., to record a new single. And their engaging stage show and catchy songs have always made them a favorite around the local rock scene.

An outfit that works as they hard as they play, the members of In-Flux performed for a capacity crowd at The Blvd. for the September release of their full length album, "In-Fluxuated." They have an absolute party on stage, and their diverse sound ranges from power rock anthems to funk, punk and progressive.

They'll be joined by fellow rock bands Paid Under Envy and Phirst Impressions, along with London Get Down's Jimmy Arguello, who will be performing a solo acoustic set.

When, where: Saturday, Dec. 19, at The Knitting Factory Concert House, 919 W. Sprague Ave.

Tickets: $5 in advance, $8 day of show, or $5 with a food donation.