Here are four shows to consider when planning your weekend on the town.  There’s lots to see and do (as always) and it was hard to cull the enormous list of live performances taking place this weekend down to just four shows, but we did it. We highly recommend checking out all the PRE-POP shows lined up at The Capital Complex. Too many great shows to list.

These four shows below offer a pretty good cross section of what’s going on. We have a singer-songwriter on an upstairs stage, a rock and roll show on a ground floor stage, an underrated rock band at an Irish Pub and an exciting evening of indie pop happening in a clothing store. Choose your poison.

Thursday

The Capital Complex’s Pre-Pop Fest kicks off tonight with a performance by Juno nominated musician Peter Katz.  His latest album We Are The Reckoning is the end result of a two year writing process that led to the creation of over 50 new songs.  With the help of co-producers Royal Wood and Bill Lefler, Katz was able to distill two years of writing down to a single album.

“I am defiantly convinced that we are good,” says Katz.  “That love drives us, that we can change, that we can do great things that we didn’t know we could do. That it’s ok to be clumsy, get discouraged, make mistakes, while remembering that it’s worth it, that hope can point us towards a better world.”

Peter Katz + guests | Wilser’s Room | October 22, 2015 | 8 p.m. | $14.99 | Buy Tickets 

Friday

Rock and Roll from New Brunswick’s rock capital – Moncton.  This could end up being one of those, “remember the time?” shows that goes down in history.  Unless you want to be on the wrong side of history, you best make it out to The Capital.  Sleeveless jean vests encouraged. You heard it here first.

Les Hotesse D’Hilaire+Language Arts+ YORK | The Capital Complex | October 23, 2015 | 10:30 p.m. | $8

Saturday

For eight years now, Sleepy Driver have done their own thing, however, whenever and wherever they choose.  Known throughout the province as “that alt-country band from Fredericton”, Sleepy Driver are so much more than a simple label can covey.  Strong songwriting, brilliant musicianship, killer live show… they’ve got it all. If you miss this show, it might be months before you have another chance to hear one of the city’s best – up close and personal.

Sleepy Driver+Brent Mason Band | James Joyce Pub | October 24, 2015 | 7 p.m. | $10 | Tickets at Tony’s Music Box or Yarns on York

Sunday

Clothing store by day, live music venue by night, ReNeu Boutique host some of the city’s most cozy/endearing performances and this show is no exception. Nap Eyes were main stage performers at this summer’s Sappyfest.  And according to a Halifax weekly, Dorothea Paas is “out of this world.”  A highlight of this show will also be the debut performance by Laps – a new group featuring the guitar stylings of Heather Ogilvie. Take note! Take note! Take note!

Laps+Nap Eyes+Dorothea Paas | ReNeu Boutique | October 25, 2015 | 8 p.m. | View Event

For a more comprehensive list of live music happening this week, check out Emma Chevarie’s blog Music Runs Through It.