Our Virgil is one of those relatively rare dogs who doesn't particularly like riding in cars. While insiders have a reasonably solid argument that this is his commentary on my poor driving, I think it's because he was a puppy in Atlanta and simply hates traffic jams.

In any case, there's one annual exception when Virgil can't wait to hop in the family CRV — and this year it happens Sunday when the destination is the Knickerbocker Music Center in Westerly. That's when and where John Speziale & Friends present their seventh annual "Rock & Roll Christmas Show" benefitting the Westerly Stand Up for Animals, a wonderful shelter that supports, cares for and provides homes for troubled animals.

Sweet Mercy, Amie Coffey, Craig Edwards and Sandy Allen will all be part of the musical fun. Don't forget Dancing Santa, Puppet Santa — not remotely similar! — a hula contest, games, and of course plenty of food and libations.

Seventh Annual Rock & Roll Christmas Show, 6 p.m. Sunday, Knickerbocker Music Center, 35 Railroad Ave., Westerly; $12 donation; (401) 315-5070.