1. Art vs. Art feat. Catfish Haven

8 p.m. Sept. 26, $15, The Vogue, 6259 N College Ave, (317) 259-7029.

Art contests aren't an uncommon thing. Art contests where the losers get destroyed by a chainsaw are more unique. At Art vs. Art, the crowd judges 32 paintings in head-to-head competition. The losers can only be saved from destruction by being purchased. After the carnage, the music kicks in with rootsy indie rockers Catfish Haven heading up the bill. Indy rockers Those Young Lions and Bloomington's Gentleman Caller complete the lineup.

2. Ray LaMontagne

7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, $28, Murat Theatre, 502 N. New Jersey, (317) 615-1500.

Having your music compared to artists like The Band, Van Morrison, and Nick Drake isn't a bad thing. That's the critical company that Ray LaMontagne has kept in his career. The singer/songwriter is noted for his folk/blues-influenced music and raspy voice. He's touring in advance of the mid-Oct.release of his third studio album, "Gossip in the Grain."

3. Loudon Wainwright III and Leo Kottke

8 p.m. Sept. 27, $25-$35, Clowes Hall, 4602 Sunset Ave., (317) 940-6444.

Two leading folk artists team up for this event at Clowes. Loudon Wainwright III has spent nearly four decades performing songs that are highly personal and occasionally humorous. Leo Kottke might be best known for his unique finger-picking style on his guitar. His music blends folk, blues, and jazz. Admission also includes a pre-show discussion with Wainwright at 7:15 p.m. in Butler University's Krannert Room.

4. Indianapolis Metal Fest Two

Noon Sept. 26 and Sept. 27, $20 per day, Marquee Convention and Events Center, 5100 W. 38th St., www.indianapolismetalfest.com

With more than 60 bands performing on three stages over two days, the second edition of the Indianapolis Metal Fest should meet the needs of even the most rabid metal fans. The lineup is a combo of nationally known acts, up-and-comers, and heavy hitters on the local scene. Kittie, Dew-Scented, Mustasch, Threat Signal, Green Jelly, Demiricous, and Gates of Slumber are among the performers.

5. Eli "Paperboy" Reed

7:30 p.m. Oct. 1, $9, Birdy's, 2131 E. 71st St., (317) 254-8971.

Artists like Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and Amy Winehouse have helped launch a revival of classic soul sounds from the '60s. Eli "Paperboy" Reed is poised to be the next artist to carry on the revival. The Massachusetts-born Reed cut his musical teeth in Mississippi and Chicago before returning home to launch his career.

6. Indy Reads Benefit

9 p.m. Sept. 27, $5, Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St., (317) 955-0995.

Even though rock & roll has roots in rebellion -- especially against school -- every good rocker needs to be able to read and write. This show benefits Indy Reads, an organization focused on battling illiteracy. Very literate local artists Eisenhower Field Day, Hey Hey Melodica, and DJ Sarah Vain provide the night's entertainment.

7. Backyard Tire Fire, Ha Ha Tonka, Mardelay

9 p.m. Sept. 26, $7, Spin Nightclub, 6308 Guilford Ave., (317) 257-0000.

Indie rock fills the musical menu at Spin Nightclub for this event sponsored by My Old Kentucky Blog. Headliners Backyard Tire Fire'sAmericana rock sound has earned comparison to acts like Wilco and Drive-By Truckers. Fellow roots rockers Ha Ha Tonka and Indy indie act Mardelay share opening duties.

8. Citizen Cope

8 p.m. Oct. 1, $25, Murat Theatre's Egyptian Room,, 502 N. New Jersey, (317) 615-1500.

Singer/songwriter Clarence Greenwood shares his stage name, Citizen Cope, with the band that regularly performs with him. But he's on his own for this solo acoustic show. His 2002 single "Let the Drummer Kick" has become his most-recognized tune thanks to frequent use on television shows and commercial campaigns.

9. Sybris w/ Turnbull ACs and The Coke Dares

9 p.m. Sept. 30, Birdy's, 2131 E. 71st St., (317) 254-8971.

Chicago's Sybarisand Cincinnati's Turnbull AC's collide with one of Indiana's best at this show. Sybris stops by as it heads home from an appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival. Their alt-rock sound has won comparisons to acts like PJ Harvey and Smashing Pumpkins. Turnbull offers tracks that sound like a Midwestern take on The Strokes. Hoosier rockers The Coke Dares deliver a stream of one-minute rock anthems.

10. Catie Curtis w/ Nervous but Excited

7 p.m. Sept.27, $20, Key Cinemas, 4044 S. Keystone Ave., www.keycinemas.com

Key Cinemas serves not only as a venue for independent films, but also as a performing space for indie musicians. The cinema recently announced that it's closing its South Keystone location Oct. 5as it searches for a new home. Boston folk rocker Catie Curtis will perform one of the final live shows there. The acclaimed artist is touring in support of her recently released album, "Sweet Life."