From hip-hop's dominance to artist accountability, five major music developments in 2017

So many things happened this year we never thought possible - in good ways, and in bad.

And that had major ramifications for music.

These troubling political times triggered a wave of protest music. An outcry from the #MeToo movement had major ramifications for men, including musicians, who allegedly abused their power. Hip-hop - which from its inception has been about giving a voice to the voiceless - became, with R&B, the most consumed genre of music in America this year for the first time, eclipsing rock.

I run through these seismic shifts that shaped our year - and will likely shape our future - for the Journal Sentinel last Sunday. 

RELATED:The biggest trends in music in 2017 amounted to one thing: a shift in power

THREE SHOWS TO SEE THIS WEEK

Last month I ran a feature on 10 top holiday concerts in Milwaukee this season.

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But since that story ran several clubs have announced interesting holiday entertainment with local artists. Three of those shows are this week.

Company Brewing hosts a “Holiday Pajama Party” Friday to benefit Riverwest FemFest. Here’s hoping one of the acts, pop singer Lex Allen, squeezes in original “Never Look Back,” my favorite Milwaukee song of 2017.

RELATED:The 10 best songs by Milwaukee artists in 2017

For those who think Trans-Siberian Orchestra is too soft, you’re going to love Linneman’s “A Death Metal Christmas” Saturday.

And after hosting a live concert treatment of Vince Guaraldi’s classic score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the Jazz Estate is hosting multiple “Charlie Brown” shows Monday through Wednesday.

NEW CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENTS

We got a flood of new show announcements ahead of the holidays, featuring All Time Low, Dwight Yoakam, Steve Winwood, Sylvan Esso, Steve Aoki and more.

Rock on!

Piet