by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

It is, for all intents and purposes, Halloween weekend. That means that (although not required) costumes are kind of a prerequisite if you’re going to a show this weekend. In fact, most shows are being promoted as pseudo Halloween/costume parties, complete with prizes.

While I think that’s awesome and fun, I’m not a dress-up type guy, I’m not into horror movies or zombies or anything campy and/or Halloweenish or involving make-up, so there’s a good chance I’m going to take a pass on all the shows this weekend, which is a damn shame because there are some verrrry good shows going on.

Starting tonight at The Brothers Lounge, where Yuppies are playing a show with Baby Tears and Minneapolis noise band Weakwick. $5, 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, over at The Barley Street Tavern, Snake Island is hosting a costume party with Cat Island, Kite Pilot and Traveling Mercies. $5, 9 p.m.

Back downtown, The Slowdown is hosting a Halloween Throw Down with three tribute/cover bands: Fear of Ghosts (The Cure), Surfer Rosa (The Pixies) and Dead Wave (who does some original stuff along with a few Joy Division covers). I’m not sure if this is a costume thing (though the invite says “dress up”). $7, 9 p.m.

Also tonight, Satchel Grande plays at The Waiting Room. $7, 9 p.m.; and O’Leaver’s is hosting Cannonista with In the Whale and 3D Jupiter. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Tomorrow night (Saturday) the big show as at The Slowdown for what’s been billed as the Freaks of the Night: Halloween Costume and Dance Party. In fact, it’s also the InDreama album release show. Playing with InDream is Nik Fackler’s other band, Icky Blossoms (headlining) along with Lincoln noise degenerate Plack Blague and Places We Slept. $6.66 Advance/$8 DOS, 9 p.m.

And then Sunday it’s back down to Slowdown for Cursive with Minus the Bear and Girl in a Coma. The listing shows Minus as the headliner, so get there early. 8 p.m. show, $20.

Am I missing anything? Put it in the comments section…

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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 © 2012 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.