James Keyes from the Numbskulls releases a solo disc, Ruminations

Thursday, Troy, Jeremy, Brooks and Duncan are at the Dive Bar; Barbara Kessler sings at Christ Episcopal Church in Rochdale; and Jet Black Stare headlines Tammany Hall.

Friday, James Keyes celebrates the release of his CD Ruminations with a show at Nick’s – his band features Morgan Freeman on bass and Greg Sullivan on drums – opening acts are Steve Cummings, The Boston and Maine String Band and Jason James; Lietrim’s hosts a benefit for the Second Chance Animal Shelter – for a $2 cover, you get $1 beers and $2 mixed drinks; Sean Fullerton sings at Greendale’s; Cacophonous Death, Engraved, The Bathory Silence, Nemecide, Axiom, Dissension and ORCumentary split the stage at London Billiards; Bret Talbert sings at Applebee’s in Sturbridge; Scarlett Fade opens for Intermission at Tammany Hall; Grammy nominated singer Trey Songz is at the Hanover Theatre; Steve Connolly puts on Spirit of the King Elvis show at Mechanics Hall; Mack the Knife and BLOWW is at Ralph’s; Coopers Escape debuts at Irish Times; Old School’s rocking Beatnik’s; the Smokehouse Lightning Blues Band had better be on fire with a name like that at Gilrein’s; and Huck’s settling in to Vincent’s.

Saturday, Born of Ash releases Age of End with a show at the Palladium; Probable Cause plays a playoff party at JJ’s in Northboro; Hat On, Drinking Wine is back at Nick’s; Fourth Gear rocks Chooch’s; Whalebone Farmhouse harmonizes at Beatnik’s; celebrate bassist Hugh Allen’s birthday with the Matt Schwachman Band at Boston Billiards; The Flock is at the 5th Amendment; Bill McCarthy sings at the Whistle Stop; Go Gadget Go does covers at Greendale’s; Jabooda’s jamming at Mill Street Brews; The Rails veer off the road to Emerald Isle; Usual Suspects racks ‘em up at Break-Away Billiards; Angry Johnny and the Killbillies headline Ralph’s; Ed Melikian’s back at Sahara; Night Works bluesify’s Gilrein’s; and the Andy Kaplan Duo debuts at Vincent’s.

Sunday, Creegan’s Pub has a hopping night of karaoke every week.
On Tuesdays, 3 G’s Sports Bar hosts a weekly comedy open mic night.

Other events:
On Saturday, at 10 a.m. Worcester State College hosts a forum that includes some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball: Mike Easler, J.P. Ricciardi, Rich Gedman, Brandon Smith and Kyle Evans. It’s $50 for the clinic, but parents can come for free with their kids.

On Sunday at 2:30, Dr. Gonzo on Main Street is hosting a crock pot and/or finger food challenge at his Emporium.
The Worcester Bridal Show takes over the DCU Center Saturday and Sunday.