We're shipping off to SXSW on Saturday, and even though we're in for a ton of music in Austin we're really sad about what we'll be missing here in San Francisco. For instance, this weekend we're missing some of our favorite bands including Silversun Pickups, Virgil Shaw, and Electric Six at the Independent (say hello to our buddy John R. Dequindre for us). We're sending one of you to a show we wish we could......

Our concert picks for the week of 8/25 - 8/31. ">Local label Jackpine Social Club generously doles out another few helpings of free stuff this week. Two of you will win a pair of tickets to the Jackpine Social Club party at 12 Galaxies on Friday night where No Depression's "Artist of the Decade" Alejandro Escovedo headlines. Jon Dee Graham plays also, and Jackpine artists Jesse DeNatale and Loquat complete the bill. (Enter now --......

Music-loving good samaritans, this is your lucky week. If you like to enjoy a little partying and live performance in exchange for your charitable contributions, you have no less than six different tsunami relief benefits to choose from. On Friday, The Independent is having their second benefit, featuring members of New Monsoon, ALO, Samantha and the Ritual for a donation of $10-50. Great American's benefit that night with indie kings Gibbard, Kozelek, Richman and Bachman......

Join us tonight at 111 Minna for an art show curated by Aaron Burtch, entitled "Five Ways To See." When he's not making great music with Grandaddy, Burtch is making great paintings and pictures, which he'll be showing alongside artwork from Souther Salazar, Alexander Cheves, Jeffery Harland, Joel Elrod. Afterward, your music options include the oft-recommended Neko Case with The Sadies at Bimbo's, the electro-pop of locals The Lovemakers at Popscene, or the gentle Brit-pop......