Peelander-Z performing at Melody Inn on September 29. (Submitted photo for The Star)

1. Peelander-Z

10:30 p.m. Sept. 29, $7, Melody Inn, (317) 923-4707.

Punk Rock Night takes on a Japanese look as PRN favorite Peelander-Z returns. The band brings a cartoonish and fun twist to punk. Don't be shocked to find yourself participating in games or even taking over for the band on stage during the group's set. Japanese drum and bass duo The Birthday Suits are also known for taking the show into the crowd. Super Secret Sideshow kicks off the night with a dark twist on sideshow stunts.

2. Roktoberfest

6 p.m. Oct. 1, $12, The Vogue, (317) 259-7029.

Four of Indy's top rock acts give their time Oct. 1 to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Roadhouse blues rockers The Elms take time out from recording their next album to headline the event. The band was most recently seen opening for Buddy Guy at the Rib America festival. Melodic rock act Waltz for Venus, Brit pop-influenced band Wonderdrug and country rocker band Pennycuff team up to get the night started.

3. Everthus the Deadbeats, Red Light Driver, Loretta

9 p.m. Sept. 27, $7, The Vogue, (317) 259-7029.

The Vogue fills a second spot on its calendar with local bands this week on Sept. 27. It's an eclectic mix of music as Everthus the Deadbeats brings quirky indie pop, Loretta comes with its soaring and emotional sound, Red Light Driver delivers music that draws influence from '80s alt pop and Those Young Lions create a roots sound equally inspired by The Clash and Johnny Cash.

4. Regina Spektor

8 p.m. Oct. 2, $22.50, Murat Egyptian Room, (317) 231-0000.

Regina Spektor was born in Moscow. Her family moved to Austria and Italy before settling in New York. Her music reflects her diverse background as she leans on folk, rock, hip-hop, classical and music of her native Russia. She's compared to singer-pianists Fiona Apple and Tori Amos. Her music has been featured on "CSI: NY," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Criminal Minds." Stop by Luna, 431 Massachusetts Ave., at 3 p.m. that day for an autograph signing.

5. Charlie Hunter Trio

8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. October 28 and 29, $20, Jazz Kitchen, (317) 253-4900.

Once known for his use of a unique eight-string guitar, Charlie Hunter has since switched to a slightly more commonplace seven-string model. He also cut out the effects that gave his instrument a sound similar to an organ and has gone to a dirtier, blues sound. The latest change to his career came this year as he switched record labels to release "Mistico," in July. These shows feature Eric Deutsch on keyboards and Simon Lott on drums.

6. Stockwell Road

7:30 p.m. Sept. 28, $5, Melody Inn, (317) 923-4707.

Will Stockwell possesses one of the most authentic h---- tonk voices in Indy. His band, Stockwell Road, was once a regular feature at the Melody Inn. The country band kicked off one night a week with a set of hillbilly classics mixed in with its own originals. The group retired from that regular gig in 2006, but is getting back together to headline the club's weekly Hillbilly Happy Hour on Sept. 28. Miss Kimmy & Zorba open.

7. TremFu, Tucker, JJ Pearson Project

9 p.m. Sept. 28, $5, Local's Only, (317) 255-4013.

Punk rock invades Locals Only on Sept. 28 with a show featuring the area band with the most unprintable name. TremFu (for short) emerges from a brief hiatus and makes the trip from the band's Bloomington home to headline the show with its spastic take on punk. Best known for his work with hardcore legends Toxic Reasons, JJ Pearson performs with his own band. Tucker rounds out the lineup.

8. Hands Down Eugene, Everything Now!

9 p.m. Sept. 29, $5, Locals Only, (317) 255-4013.

Nashville, Tenn., exports a couple of its favorite acts to Indy for a night. But don't expect country sounds. The Carter Administration is a trio that has been creating what it calls "basement pop" for over a decade. Hands Down Eugene makes the trip with a similar sound. The indie pop night is topped off by Everything, Now!, the Muncie music collective known for its orchestrated pop.

9. Guster

7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, $27.50, Indiana University Auditorium, (812) 855-1103.

Guster has made a successful musical career by recording appealing pop music and touring relentlessly. This show represents the third time the band has visited central Indiana since the release of its current record, "Ganging Up on the Sun." Brett Dennen opens.

10. Oktoberfest featuring Polka Boy

7 p.m. Sept. 28, $5, Rathskeller, (317) 636-0396.

The Rathskeller closes its official Biergarten season the same way it opened it earlier this year -- with club favorite Polka Boy onstage. The show kicks off the German-themed bar/restaurant's Oktoberfest celebration. Polka Boy should provide an ideal soundtrack for the event. The group has built a large local following by putting a polka twist on modern songs. The polka continues on Sept. 29 as well, with Polkamotion closing out the weekend party.