1. Tonic Ball VII -- The King vs. Queen

7 p.m. Nov. 21, $20, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect. St., and Fountain Square Theater, 1105 Prospect St., www.tonicball.org

Nov. 21 at Radio Radio. The annual Tonic Ball, a fundraiser for Second Helpings, returns to its usual No. 1 spot on our list. The event, always held the Friday before Thanksgiving, brings together 27 Indy artists who will each play two songs. At the Fountain Theater, artists perform songs from Elvis Presley's catalog while the Radio Radio lineup pulls from Queen's hits. The Fountain Square Theater welcomes fans of all ages.

2. The Avett Brothers w/ Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band

9 p.m. November 20 and Nov. 21, $18, Bluebird, 216 N. Walnut St., Bloomington

November 20 and Nov. 21 at Bluebird. Two trios leading the movement to preserve old time roots and blues music team up for two shows. The Avett Brothers come from the mountains of North Carolina. Their sound adds modern life to the porch-stomping string band music that pre-dated bluegrass. Local favorites Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band deliver breakneck rural blues that owe inspiration to sounds of the Mississippi delta before World War II.

3. The Elms, Red Moon, Mars or the Moon

9 p.m. Nov. 26, $5, Music Mill, 3720 E. 82nd St., (317) 841-1850

Nov. 26 at Music Mill. Thanksgiving eve has become a big night for people coming home for the holiday to hit the bars and visit old friends. This show promises to be packed with homecoming fun as The Elms headline a night of favorite local acts. The Elms have made its mark with a big, classic rock influenced sound inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.

4. Susan Tedeschi w/ James Hunter

8 p.m. Nov. 24, $27, the Vogue, 6259 N College Ave., (317) 259-7029

Nov. 24 at the Vogue. Massachusetts-born Susan Tedeschi has had a lifelong fascination with Southern-styled blues, soul, and gospel. The influences show upin her own music, a sound that's been compared to artists ranging from Bonnie Raitt to Stevie Ray Vaughan. Tedeschi is touring in support of her recently released album, "Back to the River."

5. JJ Grey & Mofro w/ Eric Hutchinson, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

9 p.m. Nov. 21, $15, the Vogue, 6259 N College Ave., (317) 259-7029

Nov. 21 at the Vogue. Florida-based JJ Grey & Mofro deliver a swampy, soulful style of music that sounds like what might have happened if Otis Redding teamed up with CCR. The group, which debuted in 2001, is on the road touring in support of 2008's "Orange Blossoms."

6. Staind w/ Seether & Papa Roach

6:30 p.m. Nov. 23, $35-$39.50, Pepsi Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., (317) 927-7622

Nov. 23 at Pepsi Coliseum. The Indiana State Fairgrounds' Pepsi Coliseum returns to its part-time job as an arena rock venue with this week's bill. Staind, the headliner, is best known for their string of dark, moody power ballads including this year's hit, "Believe." Seether had a No. 1 hit this year with "Rise Above This." Papa Roach is due to release its fifth big-label album, "Metamorphosis," early in 2009.

7. The Randies, State, The Pantyliners

10:30 p.m. Nov. 22, $5, Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707

Nov. 22 at Melody Inn. As the temperatures drop, plan your weekend outings around the events that deliver a crowd to create warmth. You should find a great crowd at this weekend's edition of the ongoing Punk Rock Night showcase. It's a bit of a homecoming for The Randies. The L.A.-based all female punk act features Hoosier-born Tasha Jones on drums.

8. "The Mayor's Ball" feat. Vinyl Shriner

10 p.m. Nov. 26, $2, The Melody Inn, 3826 N Illinois St., (317) 923-4707

Nov. 26 at The Melody Inn. It's one thing to throw a 40th birthday party. It's another to open the party up to the whole city. That's what Greg "The Mayor" Andrews is doing. The photographer known for his work with Indy bands celebrates the big 4-0 on Thanksgiving eve. The low-dough show features live music from Vinyl Shriner before turning into a dance party. DJs Action Jackson, Scotty Matelic, Stefan Medeiros and Annie Idol spin the soundtrack of the night.

9. Todd Snider w/ Mary Gauthier

8 p.m. Nov. 22, $23, Murat Egyptian Room, 502 N New Jersey, Indianapolis, (317) 615-1500

Nov. 22 at Murat Egyptian Room. Todd Snider built his reputation songs that highlight his skewed, often humorous view of the world and on live performances that were part storytelling sessions. On his latest record, "Peace Queer," Snider dips his toes into political commentary. Mary Gauthier opens. The Louisiana native lived a full and funky life before launching her music career at age 35. The stories of those first 35 years populate her songs.

10. Kimya Dawson

8 p.m. Nov. 23, $15, Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, www.buskirkchumley.org

Nov. 23 at Buskirk-Chumley Theatre. Kimya Dawson's lo-fi modern folk tunes had a small, underground following until 2007. That's when her solo work and songs with the Moldy Peaches and Antsy Pants made up a strong part of the soundtrack for "Juno." The singer-songwriter followed up this year by releasing a children's album called "Alphabutt." Dawson has also been invited to take part in the "Sesame Street" children's show.