CONCERTS
SATURDAY
Acclaimed Nova-Scotian songwriter Joel Plaskett and his band, The Emergency, play a free show on the lawn of Tweed Inc., Smiths Falls’ marijuana factory. The Front Yard Shindig is a family-friendly event to say thanks to the community, and combat a little stigma, organizers say. Plaskett’s easy charm will be suitable — though he’s been known to adapt and sell out shows anywhere, from intimate venues to the formal theatres. Local break out alt-rock group The Balconies and funk-soul band Blak Denim are also playing. (Before you ask: No, they will not be giving tours, and no, they will not be selling weed; there will be a vape lounge for those with medical licences, only.) When: 4:15 to 8 p.m., reserve spot in advance. frontyardshindig.com The three brothers in Rough Francis are playing hardcore, funky rock, the literal offspring of ’70s proto-punk band Death — which was formed by their dad and his two brothers. A few years ago, Rough Francis moved from covering their ancestors’ songs to rich, noisy, garage punk originals that remain difficult to describe, but are well worth any cover to hear live. With Warp Lines, 8:30 p.m., Zaphod’s. $10. Cross Dog is another great band coming out of Peterborough (what is in the water there?), this time punk fronted by a woman, Tracy Ashenden, who sings (read: yells) more like an angry, raspy slam poet, unabashedly tackling all the big political issues over slamming, sometimes funky bass and throbbing drums. Their album was released on Vertigo’s Uncle D label last year with help from Sum 41’s drummer Dave Baksh, giving them a link to Ottawa and bringing them here a few times a year. They’ve got new songs to try at House of Targ. With GOAT, Slim’n Popular, 10 p.m., House of Targ. $5 before 10 p.m.
SUNDAY
Montreal’s trio Paupière released their first EP in January, four poppy cold-wave tunes with a dark, neopsychedelic wash and clean synth notes, time travelling back to an closing time at underground club in early-’80s Europe. They’re frosty and distant, while also sultry and very addictive, so have made a bit of a splash in France (of course). Too bad the band is playing on a Sunday, for this show would be a great date pick. When: 7 to 10 p.m., Minotaure. $10 at the door.
WEDNESDAY
The much-anticipated Arboretum Festival begins with a seeminglyincongruous lineup, but it makes sense as the three acts all write intimate, revealing songs: Indie-folkers Evening Hymns play last (9:30 p.m), with Montreal’s punk-folk-storyteller Safia Nolin (8:30 p.m.), and dreamy, transportive songs from Her Harbour, a.k.a. local Gabrielle Giguiere and her distinctive voice and entrancing lyricism (7:30 p.m.), St. Alban’s Church. Problem is, there’s a quirky and entertaining indie pop lineup with fave duo Partners, plus Nap Eyes and Shotgun Jimmie at House of Common, and a dark-arty punk show with Vallens, Beliefs and local rockers Heavy Medicine Band at the same time. So yes, a pass to the Arboretum Festival is worth it, not least because it is only $60 for four days, but includes a BBQ and brunch, and such acts as Sloan playing The Good in Everyone; addictive grunge-punk from METZ; prog rap from Junglepussy; dark trip psychedelia from Frigs; and surf-punk new-wave duo Twist. Tickets: $10-15 at the door, $60/pass in advance.