There are a lot of political events happening this week, a few of which are highlighted below, and we've also rounded up quite a few plain ol' club shows for the election-fatigued set. Special thanks to Jon Schober for his help compiling this week's list, and we hope to see you out at the clubs!

Tuesday, October 23

Vote No²: Turn a Double Negative Into a Positive
Varsity Theater, Minneapolis
7 p.m., $8 adv/$10 door, 18+
Keith Ellison and an array of local hip-hop acts unite to express their disapproval of both the marriage and voter ID amendments. The first 75 attendees will receive a free compilation CD. With Villa Rosa, Pretty Ugly, Guante, Strange Perspective/KBDS, Tall Paul, Bomba Umoya, Melong, The Lioness, Electric Children, Nazeem, Kaleem, and DJ Shannon Blowtorch.

Almost Halloween: A Free Showcase of Local Hip-Hop and Indie Rock
Fine Line Music Cafe
8 p.m., free, 21+
The price is certainly right, especially for this caliber of talent. Catch Sophia Eris (a.k.a. one-third of Picked to Click winning hip-hop trio the Chalice), up-and-coming rappers Bobby Phisher and Dem Atlas, plus indie rockers Al Church and State for precisely zero dollars.

Todd Clouser, batteryboy with Shannon Frid
Amsterdam Bar and Hall, St. Paul
8 p.m., free, 21+
A double bill, each with something unique to offer: distinctive songwriter batterboy will be joined by Cloud Cult violinist Shannon Frid, and afterwards Todd Clouser & A Love Electric will be covering Nirvana's In Utero from start to finish.

Wednesday, October 24

Atlantis Quartet
Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis
7 p.m., free, all ages
One of the Twin Cities' finest modern jazz groups resurfaces for a free gig at the swanky downtown Minneapolis restaurant and venue. 

International Novely Gamelan
Icehouse, Minneapolis
10:30 p.m., $6, 21+
The new Nicollet Ave restaurant and performance space solidifies its reputation for showcasing groundbreaking artistry with this event. International Novelty Gamelan will be joined by the ever-inventive Mile Fine and Paul Metzger.

Thursday, October 25

Robust Worlds CD-Release Show
Turf Club, St. Paul
9 p.m., $6, 21+
Robust Worlds, a.k.a. onetime Vampire Hands member Chris Rose, actually placed in last year's Picked to Click poll, and is now releasing his long-awaited debut. Another Vampire Hands alum, Chris Bierden, will perform in his own recently Picked-to-Click band, Pony Trash, and the night will kick off with an opening set by Dream Weapon. For more on Robust Worlds, stream a recent interview he did with the Local Show.
 

Friday, October 26

P.O.S. CD-Release Show
First Avenue, Minneapolis
What was supposed to be a tour kick-off show will now be P.O.S.'s only gig for the time being in support of his triumphant new We Don't Even Live Here; after the show, he'll take some time away from performing to undergo treatment for kidney disease.
 

MN Musicians Vote No! On Marriage Inequality and Voter Restriction (Night 1)
Triple Rock, Minneapolis
7 p.m., $15, 18+
Organized by Modern Radio and CakeIn15, this blow-out is the first night of two planned over the weekend in support of “Voting No” on the upcoming Marriage Equality Amendment on this year’s election ballot. All proceeds are benefitting Minnesotans United For All Families and TakeAction MN. Both nights are hosted by Ian Rans of Drinking With Ian. Featuring: Dillinger Four, Har Mar Superstar, Pink Mink, Mayda, Magic Castles, The Bombay Sweets, Blood Sweat and Beards and DJ’s Channy and Drew from Polica.

Saturday, October 27

MN Musicians Vote No! On Marriage Inequality and Voter Restriction (Night 2)
Triple Rock, Minneapolis
7 p.m., $15, 18+
Night two of this benefit notably features MN Vikings player Chris Kluwe and his band Tripping Icarus. Also featuring: Dave Pirner, Charlie Parr, Carnage, Adam Levy, Flavor Crystals, L’Assassins, Puppies and Trains, Lady Heat and comedians Tommy Ryman and Maggie Faris.

Southside Desire 12” Release Show
Nomad World Pub, Minneapolis
9 p.m., Free, 21+
Southside Desire’s been getting a lot of buzz as of late, and they’ll release their debut album Songs To Love and Die To at the Nomad to continue their string of positive promo. The free show is also a costume contest, and they’ll also do an in-store performance at Hymie’s on October 30th at 6 p.m. With: The Goonas, Sex Rays, JT & The Sloppy Seconds and Hotpants/Hipshaker DJ Brain Engel.

Orange Mighty Trio CD-Release Show
Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis
7 p.m., $12 advance/$15 day-of/ All Ages
This chamber trio is back with the release of Three which should be a fitting accompaniment to the onset of fall. The extremely interesting part of this show is the opener: Nerd Enhanced Sound. He/she/they have been releasing 8-bit music on Bandcamp for a few months now, so it should provide a drastic comparison to the headliners of the night.
 

Sunday, October 28 

The Hush Sound and John Mark Nelson
Triple Rock
$14 advance/$15 day-of, All Ages
It’s been three years since Illinois-based The Hush Sound has put any material out. And in 2010, the band went on a hiatus. Now they’re testing the waters again with a limited amount of dates through the end of November. The other treat here is seeing John Mark Nelson and his band perform after they released Waiting and Waiting to a sold-out Entry crowd back in August. This seems to be the last time for a little bit that Nelson will be performing, so catch him while you can.