BEST NEW ARTIST

Absolut

• Absolut plays the latest alt-rock hits, drawing huge, young crowds all over town.

Regular gig: Tonight at Murray's Pub, Thursdays at Mad Frog, weekends at Salamone's and the Blue Note.

Most recent CD: None.

Marsha Brady

• Marsha Brady keeps crowds moving with an assortment of dancing music from funk to disco. The band features Sean McGary, son of the late local jazz great Jimmy McGary, on guitar and vocals.

Regular gigs: The Blue Note, Sycamore Gardens and other Main Street clubs; also with Mr. McGary and Marsha Brady singer Jimmy King as Blood Brothers at Longworth's, East End Cafe and Main Street Brewery.

CD: None, but a Blood Brothers set is in the works.

Denial

• The youngest of the new acts, Denial's hard-edged modern rock has quickly made the band a favorite of College Night at the Blue Note.

Regular gigs: The Blue Note.

Most Recent CD: None.