If you're really arriving on Friday December 28, get a hotel room NOW. That's only a few days before New Years Eve (big party) and the bowl game on New Year's Day (another big party). Quarter hotels will fill up fast. Hotels.com is your friend.
However, the good news is that there is a LOT more live music on Friday nights. Check to see who's playing at Tips uptown, and also at Rock 'N' Bowl on Carrollton. These will be cab rides away from the Quarter, but worth it if it's someone you really want to hear. Also, check House of Blues, Snug Harbor, and see what's up at Ray's Boom Boom Room on Frenchmen. Kermit might be playing if you're lucky.
Poppagator, last I heard George French had *also* fallen out with Donna and Charlie, so I don't know what the Monday night sitch is there. Maybe they made up; hope so!