3 concerts to see in New York City this weekend: Oct. 8 – Oct. 11, 2015

Every big musician hits up New York on their tour, but sometimes it’s the smaller bands worth seeking out, not the headliners. There’s something special about trolling gritty bars, hoping to find an on-the-rise band you can claim as one of your own and turn others on to. But because so many bands are hit or miss, we rounded up three here you that are absolutely worth checking out.

Related: How X Ambassadors took over the alt-rock scene

Who: Young Creatures
What: Concert
When: Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Piano’s (158 Ludlow St.)
Price: $10 (Head here to purchase)

LA-based psych alt-rock band Young Creatures is treating NYC to a show to promote their debut LP, “Fear All The Things.” The four-person band has a similar sound to Death Cab For Cutie, with moody, yet upbeat tracks, which helped land their music on the ABC Family show “Stitchers.” The simplistic rock tunes with catchy hooks will really draw you in. If you want to discover some pure West Coast indie rock, you won’t want to miss this one. And if you can’t make the Piano’s show, Young Creatures is playing again Saturday, October 10 at Rockwood Music Hall.

Who:Bottle Rockets
What:Concert
When:Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where:The Bowery Electric(327 Bowery)
Price:$20

St. Louis country rock band Bottle Rockets has a new album out, “South Broadway Athletic Club,” and are bringing their Americana guitar-heavy songs to The Bowery Electric. This is straight-forward guitar slinging and harmonizing at its finest, with songs about blue collar jobs and taking pleasure in life’s small joys. You’ll feel like you’re in Middle America, even though you’re really on Bowery, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to relate.

Who:Cory Branan
What:Concert
When:Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Where:Mercury Lounge(217 E. Houston St.)
Price:$15

Cory Branan has more of a punk feel than your average singer-songwriter, but it works. Finger-picking and plucking his guitar instead of solely strumming it, his music is country in spirit, but not so much that he’ll be out of place in the Lower East Side venue, where he’ll be opening for The Band of Heathens. Branan has a true gift for telling stories through song, and a steady, strong voice.