Broken City kicks off the holiday weekend a day early with a triple-dose of local indie rock this Thursday, October 8. First up, Veszel, whose MySpace samples range from a Dylan-style stomper to a jangly raver that recalls Cap’n Jazz — in other words, it’s hard to say just what they’ll sound like, but it’ll probably be fun. They’ll be followed by atmospheric, rhythmically complex rockers Wives Tales and headliners 20 Centuries of Stoney Sleep, which seems to be getting more melodically rich all the time.

Friday, October 9 sees the glorious return of Shotgun Jimmie to Calgary with a set at The Palomino. Granted, the Sackville resident sounds more than a little like Pavement, but that’s hardly a bad thing. If you can’t make it, the return of the return of Shotgun Jimmie will happen on October 21 at the Ship & Anchor — and both shows will also feature Hamilton, Ontario weirdo B.A. Johnston, who sings about John Candy, couchetards and Sega Genesis and occasionally blows snot rockets during his set. Be forewarned.

If you want to be a bit classier, though, esteemed jazz singer Tony Bennett will be at the Jubilee Auditorium that same night. Not many artists have been embraced by both Frank Sinatra and MTV, but Bennett somehow managed that feat when he re-launched his career in the mid-’90s, all without compromising his classic crooner style.

That’s not the only notable show at the Jubilee this week, either: On Tuesday, October 13, Chris Isaak will hit the stage, hopefully with both his Roy Orbison croon and his flawless pompadour in place.

Saturday, October 10 presents a pair of fine options. For the rockers, you’ve got the abrasive art-punk of Edmonton duo The Famines at The Palomino, joined by Calgary’s Martin-Fulton Overkill and Solid Gold, along with Winnipeg’s Angry Dragons and Vancouver’s Plus Perfect. For the dancers, there’s Washington DJs Tittsworth (whose name never fails to make me giggle) and Nadastrom at the HiFi. Whichever you choose, it should lead to a pleasant hangover for Sunday’s (and maybe even Monday’s) Thanksgiving dinner.

Then, on Wednesday, there’s N.E.R.D., Wale, J. Cole and once and future retiree Jay-Z at the Saddledome. This is probably going to be awesome, and frankly doesn’t need much in the way of explanation. But, if you need a back-up plan, consider taking in Montreal avant-pop trio Torngat at the Marquee Room. They’re pretty damned impressive, too.