The lion's share of local music press this week will likely go toward three big-name artists, Brother Ali, More Than Lights, and Dark Dark Dark, who are each playing a pair of CD-release shows. But there's even more happening around town than those banner shows. Read on for a hand-picked selection of events happening this week, and remember -- not only is supporting local music good for the community, it's also a whole lot easier on your wallet. Everyone wins.

Monday, October 1

Cactus Blossoms
Turf Club, St. Paul
6 p.m., $5, 21+
You know a band's legit when a venue loves them enough to book them for a weekly gig, but the Turf Club took things one step further with their respect for the Cactus Blossoms by incorporating them into the mural that covers the outside of their building. The classic country band, which centers around harmonized vocals by brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey, perform pretty early (doors open at 6 with music at 7), so you enjoy a night out and still get home early enough to be rested up for work the next day.

Sophia Shorai
Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis
7 p.m., free
The Dakota's "Foodie Night" provides a rare opportunity to enjoy their swanky space without a cover charge. Tonight's entertainment will be provided by highly accessible, charming jazz vocalist Sophia Shorai; make a reservation in advance here. 
 

Tuesday, October 2

Big Cats!
Electric Fetus, Minneapolis
7 p.m., free, all ages 
Talented producer, composer, and talent-wrangler Big Cats! (a.k.a. Spencer Wirth-Davis) will celebrate the release of his new For My Mother with an in-store appearance, which promises appearances from several guest MCs.

Niki Becker
Kitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis
10 p.m., free, 21+
Singer-songwriter Niki Becker's sophomore album, Sea Salt, caught our attention earlier this year. On Tuesday, she'll perform as part of Fairfax, AK's month-long residency at the Kitty Cat. 
 

Wednesday, October 3

Dark Dark Dark CD-Release Show
Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
7 p.m., $13, all ages
Recent Local Show in-studio guests Dark Dark Dark will celebrate the release of their emotional, lyric-driven third album, Who Needs Who, with a pair of dates at the Cedar. If you can't make Wednesday night's gig, the recently added Friday night installment will feature the same openers (Emily Wells and Mountain Men, a trio of vocalists who recently toured with Feist).
 

Thursday, October 4

Modern Radio Night feat. Sheridan Fox
Kitty Cat Klub
9 p.m., free, 21+
Another freebie, this time featuring a rare appearance by Sheridan Fox, a former Minneapolitan who now splits his time between living in Alaska and touring with Free Energy. Added bonus? Local Show favorites Hollow Boys are also on the bill. With DJs TRL and Biggie Schaals. 

Owl City
First Avenue, Minneapolis
6:30, $25, all ages
One interesting tidbit to emerge from City Pages' cover story on Owl City a few weeks back was the fact that Adam Young's upcoming show at First Avenue's Mainroom will be his first time setting foot inside the club. With his transformation from tween heartthrob to rock 'n' roll star underway, it seems like a good time for him to test out the iconic venue.
 

Friday, October 5

More Than Lights CD-Release Show
Cabooze, Minneapolis
Fusing hip-hop with EDM and jam music, More Than Lights have gained a big enough following in town that they'll play two back-to-back nights at the Cabooze this week in support of their second album, Sights and Sounds. They've assembled a huge lineup of support, including Duenday, Culture Cry Wolf, and Ashley Gold (Friday night), and Reed Grimm & Shoeless Revolution, Alicia Steele and the Endeavors, and the Premiums (Saturday). 

Put a Rock on It
Ritz Theater
7 p.m., $20, all ages
There have been several events announced in opposition to the marriage amendment, and this one packs the biggest punch, lineup-wise: Kill the Vultures, The Honeydogs, Bethany Larson & the Bee's Knees, Red Daughters, and The Beatifics will all perform at this fundraiser for MN United for All Families.

Saturday, October 6

Brother Ali CD-Release Show
First Avenue, Minneapolis
5 p.m., $15, all ages
This is actually the second of two nights Brother Ali will be in the Mainroom, but I'm recommending this one for a couple of reasons. One, Friday night is already sold out, so if you didn't nab tickets you're out of luck. And two, this all-ages show will feature a yet-to-be-named, high school-aged opener picked by Brother Ali himself. Also with Homeboy Sandman, DJ Sosa, and the Reminders.

Cold Flows 4 Warm Clothes
Minneapolis American Indian Center 
2 p.m., free, all ages
An all-star cast of local hip-hop artists will perform to raise awareness of homelessness and substance abuse in Minneapolis, including headliner I Self Devine, Maria Isa, Knox, and Haphduzn. Guests are encouraged to bring canned goods and winter clothes for donation; more info here.

Matthew Santos (opening for Fink)
7th St. Entry, Minneapolis
8 p.m., $10/$12, 18+
Minneapolis native Matthew Santos rose to national acclaim (and earned a Grammy nomination) for his vocal work on Lupe Fiasco's single "Superstar," but what many don't know is that he's also a talented songwriter and capable solo artist. He's been in Chicago since 2001, so this appearance at the Entry will serve as a homecoming of sorts for Santos.

Haters Club EP-Release
Kitty Cat Klub, Minneapolis
9 p.m., $5, 21+
I'll be honest, I'd never heard of this band until I started scanning this week's calendar, but the title of their new EP, The Golden Age of Haters Club, was enough to get me to click through to their Bandcamp. Color me intrigued. They'll play with National Bird, Aldine, and Inwood Radio.

Sunday, October 7

Day of Dignity
Masjid An-Nur, Minneapolis
11 a.m., free, all ages
Now an annual event, this year's Day of Dignity will feature performances by Atmosphere and Stalley, plus free food, clothes, and medical services for those in need. RSVP to attend on Facebook.