Top Five Live: Mark Knopfler, Waka Flocka Flame, Joywave highlight week

Picks from freelance writer Seth Johnson and Star reporter David Lindquist for the best Central Indiana concerts happening Oct. 2-8.

Mark Knopfler

8 p.m. Oct. 3, Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., $35.50 to $150, (317) 231-0000, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/102182182.

Best known as the former frontman of British rock band Dire Straits ("Money for Nothing"), Mark Knopfler can also be described as a jack-of-all-trades in the music world. With eight solo albums under his belt, including this year's “Tracker,” the iconic singer/guitarist has recorded and performed with numerous rock ‘n’ roll greats such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Sting and more. The Grammy  winner has also composed scores for eight films, the most notable being “The Princess Bride.” (Knopfler accepted the job only on the condition that director Rob Reiner work in something from his earlier "This is Spinal Tap," leading to the USS Coral Sea cap hanging in the grandson's bedroom.)

Waka Flocka Flame

7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Emerson Theater, 4630 E. 10th St., $20 to $25, (317) 357-0239, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/103421749.

Since coming to fame with his debut “O Let’s Do It” single in 2009, this red-hot Atlanta rapper has gained a huge following of fans with hits such as “No Hands,” “Hard in da Paint” and “Round of Applause.” Although the release of his highly anticipated third studio album has been postponed indefinitely due to a feud with Atlantic Records, Waka Flocka has announced that he will be running for president in 2016.

At this gig, supporting acts include  Indy's very own Ghost Gun Summer collective, which was included on our list of 10 Indiana acts you should be listening to right now.

10 Indiana acts you should be listening to right now

Punk Rock Night 15-year Anniversary Weekend

9 p.m. Oct. 2-3, Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., $8 to $10 on Oct. 2, $10 on Oct. 3, (317) 923-4707, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/103421747.

The Melody Inn began hosting a weekly Punk Rock Night back in October 2000, showcasing local, regional, national and international punk acts. Nearly 800 Saturdays later, the event's 15-year anniversary will be celebrated with a massive two-day shindig. Friday night's lineup will consist of Two Man Advantage (N.Y.), The Turbo A.C.’s (N.Y.), The Luxury Pushers (Ohio) and The Lickers (Ind.). On Saturday, Canada’s Kill Matilda and Detroit’s Golden Torso will join local acts The Last IV and The Prowl on the bill.

Joywave

8 p.m. Oct. 3, the Hi-Fi, 1043 Virginia Ave., $15 to $17, (317) 493-1209, thingstodo.indystar.com/events/97963383.

After playing the Lawn as part of Alt 103.3’s Alt-imate Birthday concert in June, this indie pop band from Rochester, N.Y., returns for a more intimate show at the Hi-Fi. Released in March of this year, the group’s debut full-length album  “How Do You Feel Now?” has produced four singles, with “Now” and “Somebody New” being the most notable to date. Another single from the album (“Tongues”) was remixed by disco icon Giorgio Moroder.

The Hideaway: A Hullabaloo of Music and Art

Noon Oct. 3,  parking lot between Southeast Community Services and Arthur's Music Store (in Fountain Square), $15 (kids under 12 are free), thingstodo.indystar.com/events/103421743.

Presented by the same organizers behind the inaugural Virginia Avenue Folk Fest, this all-day hullabaloo will feature 13 local, regional and national acts performing across two stages. Audiences can expect to hear a wide array of sounds — everything from blues-rock to punk to folk — from a lineup that includes Jonathan Tyler, Buffalo Rodeo, the Bonesetters, Saint Aubin and more. There also will be dozens of art and artisan vendors on hand, with food and drink available for purchase as well.