Last night I had a discussion with a cohort about the past week's worth of shows, or complete lack thereof. I don't remember having an entire week without a single show worth seeing. But as this person told me, the offers for touring bands through his club has slowed to a trickle (which didn't mean much because his club has all but stopped hosting shows). Maybe it's the economy or maybe it's just the time of the year. I took a look at what was going on during the second week of December 2007 -- major ice storm Dec. 10-11, Dinosaur Jr. Dec. 12, Race for Titles Dec. 13. Draw your own conclusions. It just seems as if clubs are bringing in fewer shows on weekdays, and that shows that feature local bands are inordinately outnumbering shows featuring touring bands. Is it the economy (stupid)? Are fewer bands touring these days? In reaction, bars seem to be doing whatever they can to draw drinkers. There are now four clubs that have "movie nights" during the week, including Slowdown which started theirs yesterday and TWR which showed movies two nights this past week. Wonder how that's working out...

Well, the long cold week is over and so is the absence of shows (though only one touring bands is playing this weekend).

The weekend's only CD release show is for Under Water Dream Machine at The Barley St. tonight. The album is the second release on Kyle Harvey's Slo-Fidelity Records label. Joining UWDM are It's True, Raven Carousel, and Lisa and Bess. $5. Show starts at 9.

Also tonight in Benson, Lee Meyerpeter's punk rock outfit The Coffin Killers headlines a show at The Waiting Room that features Noah's Ark Was a Spaceship, Paria and Dim Light. $7, 9 p.m. Bring your earplugs.

Tonight down at Slowdown Jr. it's San Francisco freak folk band Vetiver, who in the past has collaborated with, among others, Joanna Newsom and Devandra Banhart. They're touring in support of a new album on Fat Cat. Opening is Our Fox. $10, 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) is, of course, Criteria at The Waiting Room with The Beat Seekers and The Envy Corps. This will be a madhouse. $7, 9 p.m.

Also Saturday night The Pendrakes play at Slowdown Jr. with The Third Men and The Great Atomic Power. $6, 9 p.m.

And part two of the Homeless for the Holidays benefit concert series also takes place Saturday night at West Omaha bar Club Roxbury, 108th and Q. Among the performers is Thunder Power, Big Al Band and Scott Severin's band. It's free, but donations are encouraged (at least $6). Show starts at 8 p.m.

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