MUSIC : Dueling Guitars Offered by Father-Son Combo : While it may be unusual to find them sharing the same stage, their relationship has not gotten in the way of the band’s music.

Sal Guitarez readily admits that the other guitarist in his band is naturally more gifted than he is, but he still loves the guy as if he were his son. In fact, the other guitarist, Jason Gutierrez, is his son.

The Shaken, who are performing at Common Grounds on New Year’s Eve, features the father-son combo (Guitarez changed the spelling of his name for professional reasons several years ago, while his son retained the original spelling) plus Dave Ablon on bass and Noel Nevenkirk on drums.

A father-son rock band? Probably not as weird as a mother-son rock band (such as the Cowsills), but pretty weird nonetheless. After all, isn’t being in a rock band the ultimate rebellion against parental authority that isn’t against the law?

“At times, it does feel strange,” Guitarez says. “But we get along very well.”

Guitarez formed the band seven years ago when the movie “La Bamba” was released. He and Ernie Valens, a relative of the late rock star Ritchie Valens, wanted to get a group of young musicians together to play Ritchie Valens’ music. After auditioning several guitarists, Guitarez chose his son. Their relationship has not gotten in the way of their music, which now includes both originals and covers.

“Sometimes, I have to keep father-son issues from the fellow-band-member issues,” Guitarez says. “But, since he turned 21, I don’t feel like I have to be ‘the dad.’ ”

Sharing the stage with The Shaken will be Knyte, a folk-rock duo featuring singer-guitarist Knyte and guitarist-singer Jay Evans. Knyte describes their music as politically oriented folk music along the lines of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Hootie & the Blowfish and Counting Crows.

Knyte also lists Elton John and Bernie Taupin among his major influences, and especially likes the tune “Your Song.”

“If I could write a song that complete,” Knyte says, “I’d be complete.”

* Knyte and The Shaken appear at Common Grounds, 9250 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. No cover. Call 882-3666.

Panic Attack: The members of Panic know what their music sounds like, but they just can’t describe it.

“Some of it gets a little bluesy, and some of it has a punk edge to it. I don’t know,” bassist Mark Lange says. “It’s pumpin’ rock ‘n’ roll, you have to love it.”

The members of Panic know their name somehow describes their music, but they just can’t explain how.

“It’s a great word,” guitarist Darren Buchanon said. “It’s an in-and-out thing. No great mystical thing going on, just in-your-face, aggressive rock.”

As the old saying goes, “Showin’ is better than tellin’,” and Panic gets a chance New Year’s Eve at Mancini’s.

* Panic, Dave Marshall & Friends and Mr. Fist will perform at Mancini’s, 8321 De Soto Ave., Canoga Park. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door and include deli platters, munchies, party favors and champagne. Various $2 drink specials. Call (818) 341-8503.

New Year’s Eve Parties: For blues fans, Coco Montoya and the King Brothers will perform starting at 8 p.m. at B.B. King’s Blues Club, 1000 Universal Center Drive, Universal CityWalk. Admission, champagne toast at midnight and party favors for $25. Dinner is also available. Call (818) 622-5464.

Also, the Stoney Curtis Band plays the blues from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at The Classroom, 8333 Tampa Ave., Northridge. $5 cover includes a buffet and party favors. Call (818) 885-0250.

For country-music fans, Larry Dean & the Shooters will play at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. Tickets are $12.50 advance, $15 at the door and include buffet, champagne toast at midnight, party favors and door-prize drawings throughout the evening. Call (818) 341-0166.

Also, Goin’ South will perform from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Crest Country, 6101 Reseda Blvd., Reseda. Party favors, hors d’ oeuvres, a huge dance floor and no cover. Call (818) 342-1563.

Soulo, an R & B cover band, will perform from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at Bourbon Square, 15324 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys. Admission is $7 and includes party favors and food. Call (818) 997-8562.

Monteleone’s West, 19337 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, presents Antheny Shane playing music from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Dinner party packages range from $75 to $95 depending on entree and also include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Call (818) 996-0662.