There are those that would detract from the NBA, saying that the regular season is pointless to watch and that the playoffs are all that matters. It is especially funny when baseball fans (I am a baseball fan, too) say this, as an aside. But for those who watch the NBA, today is a particularly intriguing day, as it represents a season-altering (and franchise-altering, for some) day. I went to bed last night knowing that LeBron had got his help, in the form of Antawn Jamison from the Wizards. Not only might it get him his first championship in June, it might get him to stay with the Cavs this summer when he’s due to be a free agent. I woke up learning that the Rockets had managed to trade T-Mac and his massive $22.5 million expiring contract ($22.5 million! And he hasn’t even been playing!) while getting back a potential franchise guy in Kevin Martin from the Kings. Crazy. The trade deadline is in about 15 minutes. There’s still some talk out there: Carlos Boozer to the Heat, Amar’e Stoudemire, some Knicks-Celtics talk. So you’ll forgive me if I’m holed up at home tonight watching some NBA on my night off. For the rest of you, here’s the rundown on some events in Iowa City this weekend.

Thursday
Velvet Davenport, Viking Fuck, Alex Body, Parade in the Old Country Sky / Picador / 9pm / $4
Minneapolis band Velvet Davenport are on the road with a new single, “Get Out,” recorded in LA with lo-fi all-star/Animal Collective bro Ariel Pink. Some killer locals open this show that’ll coincide with your weekly dance party hotspot.

Friday
Brighton, MA with Bright Giant, Teddy Boys / Mill / 9pm / $6
What else can we say about Brighton, MA that hasn’t been said? If Friday night seems like a good night to pump your fist to some anthems, drink some whiskey, and generally hang out with one cool ass band, then this has to be your spot.

Saturday
Shores of the Tundra, Limbs & Digits, Living Ghost, Caution (comma) Lemmy / PS1 / 9pm / $5
A dark and dirty show at PS1 with some great local bands. New act Caution (comma) Lemmy rounded some of his friends up for what’s going to be a really loud kind of a show. Bonus points for being Shores of the Tundra’s PS1 debut. Turns out Shores can’t make it, but you should definitely stop by and check out the rest of the bands.

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Download: Velvet Davenport – Get Out