Friday (Nov. 23) the day after Thanksgiving, Nietszche’s presents one of North America’s premier world music groups One World Tribe playing a special holiday show. This is the Tribe’s first local performance in a year, since lead vocalist Preach Freedom got busy with a “side project”as the percussionist for the multi platinum super group Rusted Root. Playing their acclaimed mix of world beat—fusing hip hop, reggae, funk, soul, jazz, salsa and African pop—OWT is back to leading audiences on a cross-continental musical trip. The group will be performing new material from the forthcoming Armed & Dangerous (due in stores on Jan. 7) as well as classics from Bob Marley, Parliament/Funkadelic, KRS One, Santana, Arrested Development and more. An early show with Mike Meldrum & Friends starts the night off at 6pm, and One World Tribe will take the stage at 10:30pm.

Haiku may be Buffalo’s first true supergroup. Formed a few years back by ex-Gamalon guitarist George Puleo along with Jim Wynne and Hugh Arthur, Haiku expands on the past accomplishments of each member. With both Puleo and Wynne already inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, the band transcends the boundaries of rock and jazz fusion with hints of the blues. Although they are currently working on a studio album, Haiku has released two live recordings and played alongside legends such as Pat Travers, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Dave Mason and Billy Sheehan. Haiku performs at Mohawk Place on Friday (Nov. 23) at 8pm. They’ll will be playing two sets, and also promise to have some special guests along for the ride.

Michelina’s Bistro hosts a monster Battle of the Bands this Saturday (Nov. 24) with a host of talent that is both good and diverse. The lineup features the Spooning Cruisers (indie/ska/punk), Perfidious Doom (that’s right, doom), Medicated Silence (gothic hardcore), Before the Storm (new metal band, pictured above), the Stupid Fucks (straight up punk rock), the Fadeaway (alternative), New Kids on the Rock (a.k.a. the gunghomothafuckers), Outer City Limits (ska/thrash band), Elipsus (new wave, powerpop) and indie rockers Fighting For First (maybe because they’re listed last?). The battle—and the noise—gets started anytime after 3pm.

For retro music at its finest look no further than Soundlab this week. The club is welcoming Swedish doom metal band Witchcraft to its lair on Wednesday (Nov. 28) at 9pm. Formed by Magnus Pelander (formerly of Norrsken) at the turn of the millenium, Witchcraft was created as a tribute to the American group Pentagram, a prolific and driving force behind the underground rock movement of the 1970s whose lead singer, Bobby Liebling, has become something of a doom icon. Heavily influenced by Sabbath (as well as Pentagram, Cathedral and Saint Vitus), Witchcraft has mastered the look, vibe and sound of vintage classic rock, blending thick and muscled riffs with bluesy grooves and reverb. Their last two releases are both from 2007—The Alchemist (Rise Above) and a split 12” with the Sword, just out on Kemado Records. Witchcraft comes through town with twangy Iowa power trio Radio Moscow and support comes from Buffalo’s own answer to doom, Chylde.

Next Thursday (Nov. 29) Think Twice Radio is sponsoring a night showcasing up-and-coming local musicians, headlined by Lenny Revell. Revell returns from New York City for the show at Club Diablo backed by a fun mix of local musicians including Jason Neubauer (That 80s Hair Band) on guitar, Nick Stave (Initiation, Disco Duck) on bass, Webb (the Reflex, Gruvology) playing drums and Amanda Nagurney (Wildfire) as a featured vocalist. Other musical guests are Sam Alba, Scribe For the Tribe, Hilary Piatek and Brent Persia. The evening begins at 8:30pm and promises a blend of rock, pop and soul from some of the best talents that Buffalo has to offer.