Rogue Valley

In 2010 Chris Koza set his Rogue Valley sights on releasing four albums in a year's time, coinciding with each of the four seasons. More impressively, he actually pulled it off and tonight's show celebrates the vinyl release of a best-of collection of his ambitious "season project." The folk-pop sextet's orchestral compositions are like indie evergreens -- lush regardless of the forecast. But Thanksgiving weekend seems as good a time as any to toast accomplishments. Joey Ryan and the Inks and Meredith Fierke open. MICHAEL RIETMULDER

If superstorm Sandy didn't convince Craig Finn and his fellow Upper Midwestern bandmates in the Hold Steady that it's time to get out of New York, then maybe another two-night stand at First Ave will. There's still no firm date for the quintet's sixth album -- the 2 1/2-year wait since "Heaven Is Whenever" is unprecedented for the fast-moving, workmanlike rockers -- but recent shows have included new songs. Indiana's stark and dramatic roots-punk band Murder by Death opens both nights and will also play a free in-store gig to promote its new Bloodshot release, "Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon." (3 p.m. Sun., Hymie's Records, 3820 E. Lake St., Mpls.) CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

How exactly an artist who once put a bloody crucifix on an album cover winds up aligning himself with conservative ideals is anyone's guess (to be fair, Lewis still digs weed). But the full-voiced frontman of Massachusetts nu-metallers Staind has embarked on a solo country career and espoused the Tea Party's "Don't Tread on Me" slogan in new single "Country Boy," featuring country legends George Jones and Charlie Daniels. Best we can tell, his recent debut LP "The Road" is sacrilege-free, but he shows his U.S. pride on a track titled "Red, White & Blue." Randy Montana opens. M.R.