FRIDAY: American blues quartet Rick Estrin and the Nightcats plays the Rio Theatre, with local guests the Twisters.

FRIDAY: American indie-rock band the National plays the first of two nights at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

FRIDAY: American electronica musician Com Truise performs a DJ set at Open Studios.

FRIDAY: Seattle experimental hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces plays the Cobalt.

FRIDAY: cover tunes at the Rickshaw Theatre by Iron Maiden tribute band Powerclown, Van Halen tribute band Ham Wailin', and NOFX tribute band Dying Degree.

FRIDAY: the Vashaan Music Society presents music by guitarist Itamar Erez, percussionist Hamin Honari, and Iranian kamanche player Sina Ettehad at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre.

FRIDAY: the Janelle Nadeau Ensemble performs seasonal music at Coquitlam's Evergreen Cultural Centre as part of the TD Concert Series.

FRIDAY: Florida indie-pop duo Sales plays the Biltmore, touring in support of self-titled debut album.

FRIDAY: City Soul Choir presents two evening concerts at Canadian Memorial United Church featuring songs of solidarity, inclusiveness, and joy.

SATURDAY: American indie-rock band the National plays the second of two nights at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

SATURDAY: Denver-based indie-pop duo Tennis plays the Cobalt, with guests Wild Ones.

SATURDAY: Canadian country-folk singer-songwriter William Prince plays the Rio Theatre, with guest Justin LaCroix.

SATURDAY: Benefit concert at Seven Dining Lounge features performances by Lambsbreath, Outrun the Voices, Lucid AfterLife, and the 80th Action, with proceeds to support earthquake victims in Mexico.

SUNDAY: vintage jazz band Black Gardenia celebrates the release its second album Lucky Star at the ANZA Club.

SUNDAY: Vancouver-based jazz-pop singer-songwriter Katherine Penfold performs tunes from her new Christmas album at Frankie's jazz.

SUNDAY: the 20-member Mighty Fraser Big Band performs Christmas music at Surrey's Northwood United Church, with guest soloists Amanda Wood and Steve Maddock.