Thursday, September 10, why start the weekend off lightly when you can hit the pedal full force? Stop by The Palladium for the heavy Buffalo boys of It Dies Today with Arsonists Get All The Girls, Awaken Demons and The Miles Between. For those of you looking to kick a fall weekend back with a little less heft, try Jazz Thursday with members of the Johnny Dollar Experiment over at Southbridge’s 12 Crane. Another choice is Clayton Willoughby at Nick’s Bar or Three Bad Jacks!, Dead Luck DeVilles, and Wicked Whiskey at Ralph’s. For something new you should check out Circulatory System (pictured) over at The Grind @ Clark University. This current psychedelic-rock project of former Olivia Tremor Control members - which was one of the key bands in the tightly knit and highly collaborative Elephant Six collective, also containing Neutral Milk Hotel, of Montreal, and Apples in Stereo (that all means they are great). Neutral Milk Hotel’s Jeff Mangum and Julian Koster are also members of Circulatory System and perform on both of the band’s albums. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this chance to see them in a university setting.

On Friday September 11 jazz & cabaret singer Jim Porcella and guests arrive at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston. The highly esteemed 15-member chamber orchestra Camerata New England performs an all-Bach program at Hardwick’s Cultural Center at Eagle Hill. Rock band Griffon are playing at Creegan’s Pub and the new Jeff Mason Band are over at PiNZ Entertainment/Blue Dog Sports Bar in Milford. The Dave Rivers Group with guests hit up The Lucky Dog Music Hall and The Johnny Press Mess Band play over at Gilrein’s. If it’s a guaranteed good time your looking for, then don’t miss Jason James and his twist on rockabilly over at the Blue Plate Lounge. For some pure hard music without all the blather, PurseSnatcher is a heavy and hard four piece instrumental band that is stopping by Tammany Hall along with The Continentals.

On Saturday September 12, check out the electronic rock of Hiersonic with Prevalence over at The Raven. Worcester’s hottest cover band with the coolest name Barefoot Bob and the Monkeyfish are at Squire Whites Pub and the Auditory Implant CD Release Party w/ Technoir is happening at Ralph’s tonight. BlowBack are at the Wheelock Inn of Milbury, and for some world music don’t miss Ed Melikian Ensemble at Sahara Café. Making the switch to something more modern? Check out D12 and Potluck with Kryptik & DJ Cubed, Crimson Bile and Hy Town at The Palladium.