Thursday, October 3

Umami, Sean Anonymous, and Speed's the Name

Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

This slam-dunk local lineup is solid from start to finish. Frenetic party-rockers Umami will kick off the night, followed by energetic MC Sean Anonymous and ending with metallic pop band Speed's the Name, who just released a new album No Planets Exist this summer.

Loaves and Fishes Fundraiser featuring Charlie Parr

Carmody Irish Pub, Duluth

8 p.m., $5, 21+

As we prepare for another winter in Duluth, concern and care for the homeless community becomes critical. Loaves & Fishes is a 100% community supported project that provides housing, food and friendship to thousands of people suffering homelessness. This fundraiser will feature music from the Current’s Artist of the Month Charlie Parr as well as Black River Revue, Rachael Kilgour, Gaelynn & Arianne of Snöbarn, and Prince Paul & the Conscious Party.

West of Aldine, Mikey Talented, American Scarecrows

Dubh Linn Irish Pub, Duluth

10 p.m., free, 21+

Make sure to wish bassist Keir Gellatly a happy birthday while checking out his band, Mikey Talented, as they take the stage for a Thursday night gig at Dubh Linn Irish Pub. Joining the hometown ska band will be returning merchants of pop groove West of Aldine as well as the Duluth debut of Minneapolis roots rockers American Scarecrows.

Friday, October 4

The Cloak Ox (opening for Why?)

Fine Line Music Cafe, Minneapolis

6 p.m., $15, all ages

The band never had an official release party for their excellent and expansive debut full-length, Shoot the Dog, which was out last month on Totally Gross National Product, so this gig opening up for Why? will have to do. The band will join Why? on tour this fall and then team up with Volcano Choir for another jaunt this winter, ensuring that their finely tuned and intricate rock compositions will reach the wider audience it deserves.

Martin Devaney Album-Release Show

Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

7 p.m., $10 adv/$12 door, all ages

Troubadour Martin Devaney releases his long-awaited House of Rust, which was recorded up at Rich Mattson's Sparta Sound studio over the winter of 2011-12. It's easily Devaney's most cohesive and well written release to date, and he says it may be the last solo record he releases for a long time. He'll be joined at his release show by Mattson's Ol Yeller, plus classic country crooners the Cactus Blossoms.

Howler

Terminal Bar, Minneapolis

9 p.m., $5, 21+

Never ones to do things the predictable way, garage rockers Howler will re-emerge from a long hiatus to play the Northeast Minneapolis dive the Terminal Bar. With a new album in the can, this show will likely be a showcase of their new material. Opening the show is Frankie Teardrop and Superdream.

Atlantis Quartet CD-Release Show

Artists' Quarter, St. Paul

9 p.m., $12, all ages

One of the most respected guitar-driven jazz groups in town return to the Artist Quarter for a two-night stand in support of their fourth album, Expansions.

Cars & Trucks, Bratwurst, Wolf Blood, The Surfactants, Phillip of Nazareth

Clyde Iron Works, Duluth

8 p.m., $10, 21+

Five of Duluth’s best-loved rock bands (and a handful of stand-up comedians) join forces to help raise funds for the completion of Duluth native Jim Ojala’s ambitious Eco-Horror film, Strange Nature. Ojala is a makeup and special effects wizard who’s list of credits include work on television series True Blood, Firefly, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Strange Nature will be Ojala’s first time directing a full-length feature film.

Wino, WI and The Acceleratii

The Reef Bar, Duluth

10 p.m., free, 21+

Those with a distaste for vulgarity may wish to attend another show Friday night, as these two acts often display a fondness for a well-placed four letter word (and, in at least one Wino, WI song, well-placed means repeated over and over). If your ears can handle adult language, make the trip up London Road for a banjo free night of indie rock and rockabilly as these two bands, filled with Duluth legends, can really put on a show.

Saturday, October 5

The Record Show

VFW Post 246 (Uptown), Minneapolis

9 a.m.-4 p.m., $3, all ages

One of the longest running and highest quality record shows in the Twin Cities returns to the VFW this Saturday for their bimonthly event. Set aside a few hours to pore over the crates of used vinyl and tables full of memorabilia.

Prince, 3rdEyeGirl, and the NPG

Paisley Park, Chanhassen

9 p.m., $50 donation, all ages

Need I say more? Prince will perform on his own turf this Saturday night with both of his current bands, the sprawling horn-driven NPG (New Power Generation) and his power trio 3rdEyeGirl. Get there early—on site parking is limited. Also, be sure to leave the cell phones at home or in the car, because they won't be permitted inside.

Atlantis Quartet CD-Release Show

Artists' Quarter, St. Paul

9 p.m., $12, all ages

One of the most respected guitar-driven jazz groups in town return to the Artist Quarter for a two-night stand in support of their fourth album, Expansions.

612Brew Oktoberfest

612 Brew, Minneapolis

1-7 p.m., free

Tis the season. 612Brew's Oktoberfest party features an excellent lineup of local acts, including headliners Meme, Fort Wilson Riot, Nathan Miller, Dustin Hatzenbuhler, and Justin Halverson. Food trucks will be on site, and the taps will be flowing all afternoon.

Low Forms, The Farsights, The Ball Slashers

The Reef Bar, Duluth

10 p.m., free, 21+

The second night of a weekend filled with rock and roll at The Reef puts a double dose of Pete Biasi projects on center stage. Low Forms is a two-piece melodic punk duo consisting of Biasi on guitar/vocals and drummer Dave Frankenfeld. They’ve recently returned from a Midwest tour and plan to release a record sometime this winter. Biasi is also a member of the punk/art/metal band The Ball Slashers. Joining the Biasi bands will be The Farsights. Led by Phil Jents, the pop/folk/punk trio recently finished making a record at Sparta Sound with Rich Mattson, so look for a polished performance from the ocularly challenged trio.

BradtoberFest After Party

Tycoons Alehouse, Duluth

10 p.m., free, 21+

Starting at noon, sample and celebrate Duluth music and beer by traveling an epic foot route connecting Duluth's craft breweries and beer-centered pubs with live music and beer samples at each stop. Proceeds from the event go to support programs for young local musicians including the Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation and the Music Resource Center - Duluth. After a well-deserved nap, plan on attending the official BradtoberFest After Party at Tycoons featuring performances from Lion or Gazelle, Jaze, The Boomchucks and BNLX.

Twin Ports concert recommendations courtesy of Duluth Local Show host Walt Dizzo.