by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Three local songwriter showcases are happening tonight, two of which are series that are celebrating their final curtain call (for now).

Down at Slowdown Jr. it’s the return of Midwest Dilemma. Frontman Justin Lamoureux’s band has taken on a myriad of forms — everything from a trio to a 16+ piece acoustic orchestra. What configuration will he take tonight? Opening is Landon Hedges, better known as the frontman of Little Brazil and member of Conor Oberst-powered rock band Desaparecidos. Joining them is the always entertaining Brad Hoshaw. Get all three for one low price of $7. Show starts at 9.

Also tonight, Matt Whipkey ends his “Whipkey Wednesdays” solo series at The Lauter Tun, 3309 Oakview Dr., a bar that recently announced it’s closing its doors for good. Send them both off in style. Jessica Errett opens. 8 p.m. and absolutely free.

Also ending tonight is MarQ Manner’s Songwriter Night at The Library Pub, 5142 No. 90th St. According to the Facebook invite, this is the last night of the series, though there’s more to come in 2014.  Slated to play: Magick K Band Acoustic, Dallas Hendricks, Matt Cox and Scott Severin. Show starts at 8 and is free free free.

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If you didn’t get your tickets to Neutral Milk Hotel you’re out of luck. E-tix is showing that it’s SOLD OUT.

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In this week’s column, a look at how film-maker Peter Jackson desecrated J.R.R. Tolkien with his latest installment in The Hobbit trilogy. You can read it in this week’s issue of The Reader or online right here.

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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 © 2013 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.