The weekend is finally here. For some it represents a small break and for others, like the thousands of UT students that are currently struggling with the last weeks of the semester, it's a chance to finally breath, have a cold one and recharge the batteries for one last effort. So, where should you go to get the best soundtrack for your weekend? Just like every Friday, here are some recommendations for you.

Friday

1. First place has to go to Tameca Jones at the Elephant Room. Jones seamlessly blends jazz and blues sounds and her quintet is as powerful as her voice. As I have mentioned before, Jones possesses a sexy, strong, fun voice and a knack for twisting classics into entirely new material (her version of Led Zeppelin’s "Lemon song" is a standout). You can catch her at the Elephant Room (315 Congress) at 8:00 p.m.

2. Second place has to go to Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers. This folks are not a concerts as much as a great performance set to music. Ray's voice goes from smoky to raspy to a scream within the confines of one song. You can see them tonight at the Red 7 (611 E. Seventh) at 9:00 p.m. You can get tickets here.

3. Third place was easy: Grammy winning artist and singer-songwriter legend Bruce Hornsby. He'll be performing a special concert at ACL Live with his band, The Noise Makers, with whom he's been playing since 2000. The concert was set up by Hill Country Conservancy in honor of Earth Day and proceeds will go to Mother Earth. The show is at 7:00 p.m. and you can get your tickets here.

Saturday

1. Too easy: James Taylor at the Bates Concert Hall. For all the information about this concert, click here.

2. Second place goes to a couple of jazz giants, Nick Colionne and Brian Simpson. For all the information and tickets, click here.

3. Third place is for Pride and Joy. This brothers, who are keeping the SRV sound and vibe alive more than anyone else, will be playing their high-energy blues at the Red Rooster (109 E. Pecan) at 9:30 p.m.

Sunday

1. Get ready to get up a little early because first place has to go to the great Jeff Lofton and his third-Sunday gig at Waterloo Ice House (1106 W. 38th) at 11:00 a.m. Lofton's smooth demeanor, full head of locks and amazing trumpet chops make him a jazz institution is Austin.

2. Jo Hell at the Dizzy Rooster (306 E. Sixth). Fun, electrified, vibrant playing and whole lot of attitude to go with it. Jo Hell always interacts with the crowd and the raw energy displayed on every performance makes it a great way to finish your weekend. He'll be playing at 8:00 p.m. and this gig will keep on going until December 31st, so you have more than one opportunity to catch him in action.

3. Kris Kimura Quartet at Eddie V's Edgewater Grille (301 E. Fifth). I can't imagine a better way to end the weekend than some great jazz and good food. The music starts at 7:00 p.m., which means you can eat and listen for two hours and get out while the night's still young.

 4. Will Evans Project and Wiretree are playing a benefit show at Lamberts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our own Austin Post Editor-in-Chief Karie Meltzer is throwing the party as part of a fundraising competition for LLS. It's just $10 and all the money goes to LLS. Show her some support and check these two amazing local indie rock bands. More information right here.