I don't know about you, but I feel like I've just about sprinted a marathon's worth of music over the last two weeks -- and although it has slowed down a little bit, there is still more to come. If you still haven't gotten your fill (I know I'm still up for more), here are this week's highlight's to get you out the door.

Thursday, October 18

If you're into indie rock, you'll want to head out to Soundpony for Lizard Police as they blow the doors off the room. If you're more into blues and classic arena rock, you'll do well to land at The Joint for ZZ Top. Those who have a bent for power pop, great songwriting and supporting out local, native talent will want to make sure and be at Reynolds Center on the TU campus for an under-publicized show by Ben Rector. The show starts at 8pm with an as of yet unannounced opener and tickets are available to the general public for $12 in advance.

Friday, October 19

It's an almost quiet night as most of the big venues rest for an evening. That doesn't mean you can't still get you fix, however, as Mercury Lounge hosts Mountain Sprout, Hunt Club welcomes The Spanks and Guthrie Green goes blue with Little Joe McClerran for a "Happy Hour" gig, beginning at 5:30pm. The night's most intriguing rock show, however, is a little throw back in time when Phil Marshall returns to take the stage at The Shrine with All About A Bubble and Bryan Jewett opening the show.

Saturday, October 20

Guthrie Green brings the value with a free show spotlighting Fiawna Forte, Dustin Pittsley and Pilgrim, but that's not all we've got going on. The Vanguard hosts a night of experimental bluegrass and jam tunes with Milkdrive and Bluegrass Bullies while Mercury Lounge welcomes The Americans for a night of Americana rock. Woody's is jumping back in the music scene by hosting Zero Crossing and of course, you can't forget the Out of the Ashes benefit at 1320 Bar & Grill with Jason Savory and Chad Sullins that was discussed in this week's Soundcheck. Perhaps the most promising show of the night, however, is the return of an old friend when Gooding takes the stage at The Shrine with openers Bruce Flea, Roots of Thought, Ben Neikirk and The Undecided.

Sunday, October 21

Guthrie Green continues its Sunday afternoon matinee shows sponsored by TulsaRootsMusic.org and this week's bill is exceptionally strong as Samantha Crain, Shannon McNally and Shemekia Copeland provide an afternoon of girl power and great songwriting. Afterwards, you may want to stroll over to Cain's Ballroom to check out James McMurtry and Joe Pug at 7pm to continue to troubadour vibe.

Monday, October 22

If you're looking for the stealth gig of the week, look no further than Back Alley Blues & BBQ as Bearkat rocks the house with John Moreland and Young Readers sharing the bill.

Tuesday, October 23

Finally, the week wraps up with the long delayed but highly anticipated Red Hot Chili Peppers show at BOK Center. The question in the back of many minds, however, is: who will be the bigger draw? The Peppers or opener Janelle Monae? On the flip side of the coin, many indie and American fans will want to run to Cain's Ballroom for Band of Horses in the "House that Bob built." If you saw them last time, you already know this is one to make sure you don't miss. Granted, you've got plenty of options this week, so choose wisely.