I can only think of one thing cuter then cows on the moon and that would be a picture of a puppy holding a painting of flying dogs. We honestly don't do enough gallery coverage over here on Dane101, so why not start now? Silwik Art will be hosting an open studio this weekend featuring contemporary, abstract paintings (like the cow painting). The studio is at 5921 Hempstead Road in Madison and will be open December 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

That out of the way, onto the music!

FRIDAY
When Firecracker Studios team up with the Inferno you are guaranteed a good time. You are also guaranteed an urge to make analogies utilizing fire, explosions, and heat. Tonight the Box Social (who we hear have been cooped up cranking out tunes for a new release), join the Window Smashers, and Super Black Market at 9 p.m. The Inferno should be especially hopping with Kink(ed) being canceled at the Annex.

Electric Automatic are back from the dead after splitting up in 2004. They'll be joined by August Teens and Shazy Hade at the High Noon Saloon. Show starts at 10 p.m.

The Joanne Powers Trio bring high energy free jazz with a heavy dose of improvisation from Jennifer Punder on bass, Paul Baker on drums and percussion and Pow!ers herself abusing the hell out of her saxophone in all the right ways. Check in is at 8 p.m.

Feeling not so groovy? Then head over to the King Club tonight and get that groove working again. Groovatron joins up with Marvin's Garden and Venice Gas House Trolley starting at 9 p.m.

Tonight is also the first night of Madison Pop Fest. You can read previews of the event on The Daily Page and in The Capital Times. The night starts at Club 770 with Sleeping in the Aviary, Wax on Radio, Maps and Atlases, and Mason Proper at 8:30 p.m. Yawo is performing at Rathskeller at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday

Snow is on the ground so that must mean derby season is upon us. The Mad Rollin' Dolls head into season three with a big opening Holiday Bout at Fast Forward Saturday. The Ho Ho Hos will be battling the Sugar Plum Scaries with dorrs at 7 p.m. Then head over to the High Noon for the Von Ehrics, Mad Trucker Gone Mad, and Scag 48 during the Dolls afterparty. 10 p.m.

The King Club has the Dorothy Heralds CD release party. Starts at 9 p.m. And the first 100 people get in for free!

The Annex has an amazing hip hop line up for you. Rob DZ makes a return alongside Zion I & The Grouch, CX Kidtronik, Deuce Eclipse, Tefman of L.O.S.T. S.O.U.L.S., Spartkus & Vilas Park Sniper. Starts at 10 p.m.

The second night of Madison Pop Fest starts at 6:30 p.m. In the Rathskeller. Ambulette, the Bracelets and Hockey Night perform. Starting at 8:30 p.m. at Club 770 is Brother Ali with Horton the Irreverent,
The Grey Scare, and Urban Correspondent. Then the Great Hall has Bill Callahan of Smog with Joanna Newsom at 9:30 p.m.