The holiday season is drawing ever closer and the weather keeps fluctuating, as it always does during football season. But the local scene just continues to smolder. Whether you're looking for the coolest local acts or the hottest ticket in town, we've got it all in this week's highlights, along with a few other hot tips to get you pointed out the door. As always, the full listings can be found in our events calendar, but here are the highlights for yet another busy week.

Thursday, November 15

The week starts out quietly, but you can still get your groove on with The Move at The Colony to set your weekend in motion early. The indie crowd can also check out Scorpion Child at Soundpony or if you're in more of a rock mood, make sure to stop in at The Shrine for Roots of Thought with K-Sides and Mikey Olin opening.

Friday, November 16

The Shrine keeps things going and officially kicks off the weekend with one of Tulsa's classic songwriters, Larry Arnett, as he makes a rare appearance on the local stage. Meanwhile, Grasscrack brings some speedgrass to Mercury Lounge while Jackie Myers plays The Colony, Damion Shade appears at Joe Momma's and Stephen Speaks appears at The Hunt Club. The biggest show of the night, however, is easily rising Texas act, Josh Abbott Band at Cain's Ballroom with Brian Burke Band opening.

Saturday, November 17

This is the busiest night of the week with blues, rock and anything else you might want. We've got two big CD releases to look forward to as Little Joe McLerran drops FaceBook Blues with a release party at the VFW's "Uptown Lounge" and The Secret Post releases Fields of Fire at The Vanguard with two opening bands making their Tulsa debuts: OKC's Kill the Reflection and the highly anticipated first show by Young Lyons (who were a highlight of the recent Homegrown compilation).

If you're looking for a great night of indie rock, make sure to stop in at Soundpony as Speedwolf, The Dull Drums and Common Fears (with members of Lizard Police, North Side HotDogs, Forever Blowing Bubbles, and Artimus Pyle) rock the house. The corner of 18th and Boston is busy as well as Sam & the Stylees bring their party to Mercury Lounge and The Shrine hosts Red Dirt Rangers and Randy Crouch for a great night of Red Dirt.

Finally, if you're looking for something more relaxed, enjoy a great night of storytelling and song at All Souls Acoustic Coffeehouse welcomes Peter Mulvey as part of the fall concert series for a show that begins at 7:30pm.

Sunday, November 18

Joe Brooks plays Eclipse with openers Joseph Vincent and Mike Maines & the Branches (who will likely steal the show) for an early evening show that starts at 6pm and Soundpony hosts a late show with Hey Judy and Ocean vs. Daughter. The big show of the night (and perhaps the month) is the first night of Eddie Vedder's two night stand at Brady Theater (previously scheduled for April and postponed due to Vedder's back injury). This one's officially sold out, so good luck scanning Craigslist or working the scalpers.

Monday, November 19

Eddie Vedder plays round two at Brady Theater for a show that you may have a better shot at finding tickets for. Monday is also the night that Dustin Pittsley has been sitting in for a weekly residency at The Shrine as of late, so this is a chance to see him relaxed and working through his catalog of songs with a few friends.

Tuesday, November 21

After a quiet night on the local front on Tuesday, pop and country fans are all excited about Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood as her Blown Away tour stops at BOK Center with opener Hunter Hayes for what should be the most popular country show of the year and a great way to start Thanksgiving a little early.