by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

After god only knows how many years, Saddle Creek Records has redesigned its website. It’s worth noting if only for how well the site combines news, music, reviews and touring info for all of its acts, along with merch. There are a few hidden gems, like the staff playlist section, where the Creekers tell you what’s in heavy rotation on their turntables/iPods; and the FAQ, which answers such burning questions as “Why is vinyl so pricey?” Designed by Saddle Creek’s Jadon Ulrich and tooled by local web wizards What Cheer, it’s definitely worth a peek at www.saddle-creek.com. Now, if I could only figure out where they’ve hidden the “weekly movies” section…

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I guess you could call this Halloween weekend, even though Halloween isn’t until Monday night. As a result, most of the clubs are hosting costume parties with DJs or cover bands rather than live music. I prefer St. Patrick’s Day for my “amateur night” activities, but then again, I’ve never liked dressing up in costumes.

That said, I don’t think you’re going to see many costumes tonight at The Slowdown when folk journeyman Mason Jennings takes the stage for a solo set. Jennings records for Jack Johnson’s Bushfire Records label. Opening is The Pines (Red House Records). $17, 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) Millions of Boys reinvents itself as Millions of Ramones for a Halloween party at The Sandbox, 2406 Leavenworth, that also features Omaha giants New Lungs (D-Max from Little Brazil, Craig Fort and Corey Broman). Lansing band The Plurals and Clash Howl (Scratch Howl covering The Clash) also are on the bill. This is a costume thing, so be prepared. $7, 9 p.m.

Finally, Sunday night, it’s another homecoming show for Maria Taylor at The Slowdown with Big Harp and Dead Fingers. $10, 9 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2011 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.