As the countdown to Halloween starts to wind down towards this weekend, you still have time to catch some great bands working their way through the San Francisco indie rock scene. Save the tricks for Saturday, and treat yourself to a night of fine music.

Former Ghosts: Jamie Stewart, Freddy Ruppert, and Nika Roza.

Wednesday

• Former Ghosts @ Hemlock Tavern. Don’t know much about Former Ghosts, but one third of this trio, Jamie Stewart, is also the openly gay frontman for Bay Area experimental heroes, Xiu Xiu. Perhaps not the most accessible music you’ll ever hear, it should be a fun live show nonetheless. Plus, he looks cute in a sailor cap (tee-hee!). White Hinterland and Common Eider King Eider round out the triple bill. Details: Show starts at 9 PM, $8 cover at The Hemlock Tavern on 1131 Polk Street and Post.

Thursday

• Shonen Knife @ Rickshaw Stop. Screwball Japanese indie pop princesses and cult favorite, Shonen Knife, stop by the Rickshaw Stop. Supposedly their first show in San Francisco in over 3 years. I don’t really like them all that much, but some stoner gay guy I knew in college wouldn’t stop singing their praises (here’s to you, dude). Ty Segall and Kepi Ghoulie open. Details: Show starts at 8 PM, $12 advance tickets or $14 at the door at the Rickshaw Stop on 155 Fell Street and Van Ness.
• The Dodos @ Bimbo’s. Current San Francisco critical darlings, The Dodos, also headline this Thursday evening. The Ruby Suns opens. Details: Show starts at 8 PM, $18 cover at Bimbo’s on 1025 Columbus Avenue and Chestnut.