First, Merry Christmas to one and all.  Second, because Christmas falls in the middle of the week,the live midweek music pickings are slim.  But that doesn't mean we can't find a few things to keep us occupied.
If you're ready to get out of the house - or your family is ready to get you out of the house - The Luke Olson Band is working tonight at the Laboratory Brewing Co.
Olson, a fairly recent graduate of Alamo Heights High School, is now calling Lubbock - and, allegedly, Texas Tech Univesity - home.  A singing songwriter who is a devotee of Texas performers such as Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram and Jerry Jeff Walker, young Olson goes beyond aping his influences.
Often wise beyond his years, at least in the writing department, Olson has shown an uncanny knack for penning songs that sound as if they were written by a person who has kicked around, and has been kicked around, for a few decades.
Olson's debut album, "Maybe Someday," featured a load of fine songs and a band full of excellent local players, most of whom will be on the bandstand with him tonight at the Lab.
Word is Olson and the band are using the holiday break to work on a new album.  If you're a plan maker, the Olson Band also will be at the Laboratory on Sunday, after the Alamo Bowl.  Because the football game pits Texas Tech against Iowa, expect the Lab to be post-game party headquarters for the Red Raider contingent.
©1996 The San Antonio Express-News