1. Jingle Jam 2008 feat. Plain White T's

7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, $20, Murat Egyptian Room, 502 N. New Jersey St., (317) 615-1500

Dec. 1 at Murat Egyptian Room. 'Tis the season for radio stations to sponsor holiday showcases. This one, from WZPL-FM, has some local flavor. Straight No Chaser is an a cappella group formed at Indiana University in 1996. The original lineup recently reunited to record "Holiday Spirits" and release it to a national audience. Hoosier-born Jon McLaughlin continues to find success in the world of pop music. Plain White T's, best known for their hit "Hey There Delilah," headlines.

2. The Duke Spirit w/ Thunders, Eulogies, The Black Forties

9 p.m. Dec. 2, $10, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St., (317) 955-0995

Dec. 2 at Radio Radio. The Duke Spirit visits Indy from their native England. The group has made its mark with noisy and soulful rock that's earned comparisons to My Bloody Valentine, the Pixies, and Spiritualized. If you miss the band live on Tuesday, tune in to the Late Show with David Letterman on Dec. 8.

3. The Common, Jackson Pain, King Thief, Bone Tosser

10 p.m. Nov. 28, $5, Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707

Nov. 28 at Melody Inn. If you have some energy left at the end of a busy Black Friday shopping day, check out some local and touring acts at the Melody Inn. The Common won fans with its Cheap Trick-meets-The Who sound. Jackson Pain reunites to perform its Brit-pop inspired music. King Thief travels from St. Louis to perform its self-described "pop-punk cabaret"while Chicago punkers Bone Tosser close the night.

4. Records Records Records, Mardelay, The Last Good Year, DJ Helicon

9:30 p.m. Nov. 28, $7, Birdy's, 2131 E. 71st St., (317) 254-8971

Nov. 28 at Birdy's. Once you've recovered from your Thanksgiving feast and are looking for something to do come Friday, keep this show featuring a strong local lineup in mind. There will also be a display by local artist Mike Altman and free pizza from show sponsor Hotbox Pizza.

5. JJ Pearson, Hail the Black Dragons, Kill City

10:30 p.m., $5, Nov. 29, Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707

Nov. 29 at Melody Inn. This week's edition of Punk Rock Night brings in bands from Chicago and Cincinnati to team up with local talent. Hail the Black Dragons mixes punk rock with a bit of a Smashing Pumpkins vibe. Cincy's Kill City delivers straightforward punk with hard rock influences. JJ Pearson, best known locally as drummer for the group Toxic Reasons, steps to the front of this punk band.

6. VHS or Beta, Darkwave Disco, Red Light Driver

9 p.m. Dec. 1, free, Birdy's, 2131 E. 71st St., (317) 254-8971

Dec. 1 at Birdy's. In these tough times, it's hard to pass up a free show featuring a nationally known headliner. VHS or Beta made its name with an electronic dance rock sound that earned it an opening slot on a recent tour by Duran Duran. Like minded acts Darkwave Disco and Red Light Driver open.

7. Paul Wall

9 p.m. Dec. 3, Spin Nightclub, 6308 Guilford Ave., (317) 257-0000

Dec. 3 at Spin Nightclub. There aren't many parts of hip-hop business and culture that Paul Wall hasn't been involved with. The artist started as a street teamer who also created mix tapes, won notice as a party DJ, appeared as a featured artist on other rappers' recordings, and eventually released his own albums. He's touring in advance of his latest album, "The Fast Life," due early in 2009.

8. Del McCoury

8 p.m. Nov. 29, $25, Little Nashville Opry, 704 State Road 46 W, Nashville, www.littlenashvilleopry.com

Nov. 29 at Little Nashville Opry. Del McCoury must have an affinity for southern Indiana. In July, the renowned bluegrass artist made our Top 10 list for his show in Bloomington. This week he's in Brown County. McCoury has been a solo artist since the late '60s. His music has found fans among the bluegrass faithful as well as jam band followers.

9. The Art Adams Band w/ Pearls Mahone and the One Eyed Jacks

8:30 p.m. Nov. 28, $5, Sam's Saloon, 1640 E. Prospect St.

Nov. 28 at Sam's Saloon. Sam's Saloon celebrates Rockabilly Night with a show featuring Indy's most noteworthy rockabilly artist. Art Adams got started in the early days of rockabilly; his musicmusic earned him a place in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Pearls Mahone and the One Eyed Jacks open.

10. 14th Annual Circle City Toy Run

3 p.m. Nov. 29, $10 or new toy, Zanies Too, 5914 E. 10th St., www.zaniestoo.com

Nov. 29 at Zanies Too. The holiday season brings plenty of opportunities to take in a show and help out a good cause. This event stocks the shelves of the Salvation Army Kids Toy Shop. Highlights of the 13-act lineup include "The Preaching Bluesman" Rev. Charlie F. Edmonds and Dallas Moore and the Snatch Wranglers.