Simon Joyner (the one in the hat) and his band. Photo by Zach Hollowell.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

It’s another Benson First Friday tonight so expect plenty of foot traffic and crappy parking up and down Maple Street.

Actually, parking as a whole has become a bit of an issue in Benson. Just a bit. You can still find somewhere to park on any given weekend night, but you may have to walk a few blocks further than you’re used to. Last show I went to at The Waiting Room forced me to park about four blocks due south of TWR, a few blocks south into the shadows past the Barley Street. I survived it. Something tells me there’s a few hidden parking lots around town center that I’m missing.

Does anyone know of any near The Sydney, where tonight Simon Joyner and his band celebrate the release of Ghosts. The album’s actual street date is Aug. 14, but you’ll be able to pick up a copy of the vinyl (complete with download key) at tonight’s show for $20 (which also gets you into the show for free). Also on the bill, Sun Settings and Lightning Bug, and the amazing Solid Goldberg, who I’m told will hit the stage at around 9:45. If you haven’t seen Dave Goldberg’s latest project, you’re missing out on a life changing experience that can only be eclipsed by Joyner’s band. The first band starts at 9. $5. Go!

Also tonight, Underwater Dream Machine and Low Horse are playing at The Barley Street Tavern. $5, 9 p.m.

Across town at O’Leaver’s it’s a recreation of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” USA hockey victory over the Soviets as performed by The Fucking Party with Catalyst and Servus. Bring your ice skates. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Tomorrow night’s big show is the second annual Omaha Girls Rock! Showcase at The Slowdown. This year’s line-up: Beyond City Limits, Black Rock, Gummy Bear Gals, Jumping Giggles, Lightning Bolts, One & Only, Shooting Stars, The Black Diamonds, The Fire Eyes, and Urban Scrunchies. The show starts promptly at 6 p.m. in the big room and will set you back $5, all of which will go to the 2013 Omaha Girls Rock Camp (Come one, folks, you can afford to put another $20 in the hat for this cause). Here’s a review from last year’s show, which was a blast.

Finally Sunday night, British alt band Animal Kingdom (Warners) plays at The Waiting Room with Royal Teeth (Dangerbird Records). $8, 9 p.m.

* * *

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 © 2012 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.